Protecting Yourself from Mosquitoes and Ticks in Maine
As the warm weather returns to Maine, so do the unwelcome guests: mosquitoes and ticks. These small but potentially dangerous insects are not just nuisances; they are vectors for serious diseases that can have long-lasting impacts on health. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can help protect you and your family from the diseases they spread.
Did you know mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animals?
Mosquitoes hold the grim title of spreading more diseases than any other animal. Among the many illnesses they transmit worldwide, West Nile virus is a significant concern in Maine. Symptoms of West Nile virus can include:
Fever
Headache
Body aches
Joint pain
VomitingDiarrhea
Rash
In severe cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, potentially causing permanent neurological damage. Some individuals who contract the virus may experience symptoms for weeks or even months, impacting their quality of life long after the initial infection.
Ticks in Maine continue to be a serious problem
Ticks, particularly the black-legged tick, are infamous for spreading Lyme disease, among other illnesses. Lyme disease has seen a troubling increase, with cases in the United States doubling since the 1990s. The CDC estimates that there are around 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year nationwide. The impact of Lyme disease can be devastating, with symptoms ranging from fatigue, fever, and joint pain to severe neurological and cardiac issues if left untreated.
In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can transmit other diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. The prevalence of these tick-borne diseases underscores the importance of taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
How to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick bites this summer
Use insect repellent
Experts recommend applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. If you’ve never used repellent or aren’t sure which to use, consult your doctor.
Wear protective clothing
When venturing into wooded or grassy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier against ticks.
Get in the habit of checking for ticks
After spending time outdoors, conduct thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets.
Use tick control products on your pets
Ask your vet about the best tick preventative for your pets as well as vaccines that protect against Lyme disease.
Install screens
Ensure that windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. Be sure to repair or replace any with rips or tears.
Eliminate standing water
Mosquitoes breed in standing and/or stagnant water. Regularly empty, clean, or cover containers such as bird baths, flowerpots, and gutters to prevent mosquito breeding. We also recommend picking up tarps, turning canoes over, and hauling off old tires and other yard debris that collect water.
Maintain landscaping
Keep grass mowed and remove leaf litter, tall grasses, and brush around your home to reduce tick habitats.
Create transitions between wooded areas and lawn
Consider using gravel or wood chips to create a barrier between lawns and wooded areas. This can help prevent ticks from migrating into your yard.
Professional mosquito and tick control in Central Maine
While the tips mentioned above can help reduce your chances of encountering these biting pests, there’s another option to consider – professional mosquito and tick control! Here at Advanced Pest Solutions, we offer seasonal protection against mosquitoes and ticks in Damariscotta, Farmington, and Augusta as well as throughout our central and coastal Maine service area.
When you sign up for seasonal mosquito and tick control, we will inspect your property to locate mosquito and tick hot spots and provide monthly yard treatments that target areas where these pests rest and where they breed. Although it’s impossible to fully eliminate populations of both pests, our services drastically reduce their numbers, allowing you to enjoy your property over the summer.