Beauty & Safety Is Our Top Priority
Six Diamonds Tree Services, Inc
As the temperatures start to warm up, many of us are eager to start spending more time outside. However, a growing concern in the New York area is an increase in ticks and tick-borne illnesses. In this week’s blog post, we will discuss some of the causes of the increase in tick activity and tips and tricks for prevention and protection.
Suspected Reasoning for Tick Increase:
Ticks are becoming more prevalent in the area due to various factors. One recently reported factor is climate change, which has led to milder winters and longer, warmer seasons. This allows tick populations to survive and thrive year-round. Another factor is the increasing human population, which means more people are moving into previously wooded areas and disrupting the natural habitat of ticks.
Risks and Dangers of Ticks:
Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to humans, including Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and fatigue to joint pain and neurological problems. In some cases, they can be severe or even fatal if left untreated. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Prevention and Protection Against Ticks:
There are several things you can do to avoid tick bites and reduce your risk of tick-borne diseases. Here are a few tips:
- Wear long pants and sleeves when you’re in wooded or grassy areas
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA-approved active ingredients.
- Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outside.
- Remove any ticks you find promptly using tweezers or a tick removal tool.
- Keep your yard well-manicured and free of debris, which can attract ticks.
Likely Places to Encounter Ticks:
Growing up in a wooded area in New Jersey, I have a keen insight into just how real the threat of ticks is to not only myself but loved ones and pets. If you find that you live in an area thick with wooded areas and green patches, here are a few places you may want to avoid:
- High grass and brush: Ticks often live in tall grass and brush, so it’s best to avoid walking through these areas If possible. If you do need to go through high grass, wear long pants and sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks
- Wooded areas: Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, especially in places with a lot of leaf litter or dead vegetation on the ground. If you’re planning to spend time in the woods, be sure to wear appropriate clothing and do a tick check when you’re finished.
- Trails and paths: Ticks can be found on hiking trails, bike paths, and other outdoor recreational areas. Stick to the center of the path and avoid walking through tall grass or brush along the trail.
- Animal habitats: Ticks can be found on animals like deer, mice, and birds, so it’s best to avoid areas where these animals are known to live. If you do come into contact with animals, do a tick check when you’re finished.
- Outdoor events: Ticks can be present in large crowds, such as at outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Be sure to take precautions and do a tick check after any outdoor event.
The Benefits of Brush Clearing:
There are two primary benefits in clearing the overgrown brush lingering in your yard. Beyond the fact that it could be distracting from the beauty of your property, dense brush areas are a tick’s favorite habitat. The two main ways professional clearing services can help prevent ticks from migrating to your yard are:
- Thinning of vegetation: Professional brush clearing involves thinning out dense vegetation, which can help reduce the amount of shade and moisture in your yard. This, in turn, can make your yard less hospitable to ticks, which prefer shady and humid environments.
- Removal of tick habitat: By removing overgrown brush and tall grass from your property, you can eliminate potential habitats for ticks. This can significantly reduce the number of ticks on your property.
It’s essential to take action to protect yourself and your community from tick-borne diseases. Consider sharing this information with your friends and family, and encourage them to take steps to prevent tick bites. If you find a tick on yourself or someone else, remove it carefully and monitor the affected area for any signs of illness. In conclusion, by taking the necessary precautions, we can enjoy the outdoors safely and help reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases in our communities. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, we can minimize the impact of ticks and stay healthy all season long. Stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors!
Six Diamonds tree service is here to assist in brush clearing services that fall into our service areas. We have over 25 years of experience helping our local communities with their landscaping needs. So, contact us today & let’s get your yard looking better than ever. Free, no-obligation estimates: (845) 878-7888. Service areas include Western, CT; Dutchess County, NY; Putnam County, NY; Westchester County, NY.
