How Serious is Lyme Disease?

Tick on grass

When ticks emerge in Vermont in the spring, everyone should be aware of their risk for catching Lyme Disease. In Vermont, Lyme disease is the top tick-borne disease that residents are diagnosed with, followed by anaplasmosis and babesiosis. 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. The disease is most common in the upper midwestern, mid-Atlantic, and northeastern parts of the United States. Infection from the bite is characterized by a circular red rash that appears like a bullseye. 

While not all ticks or tick species carry Lyme disease, our region is home to the deer tick, which is notorious for harboring the tick-borne illness bacteria. Should an infected tick find a host and successfully attach and bite the host, the transmission of Lyme Disease will likely occur. 

Some simple ways to avoid ticks are to wear long clothing and to stay clear of tick habitats, such as tall grass. Vermont Pest Control is available to help inform you about the tick-borne disease Lyme Disease and provide services to your property if you are having a tick problem. 

Recent Outbreaks of Lyme Disease

Cases of Lyme Disease occur every year, and 2024 is no exception. 

The Vermont Department of Health states that cases of Lyme Disease have increased over the years and can take one to two weeks for an individual to notice the signs. Lyme Disease is reported all over the state but is most common in the southern half. Cases are reported throughout the year but are highest in June, July, and August. Men are more likely than women to contract Lyme Disease and boys aged 5-14 are at higher risk. 

Symptoms of Lyme Disease include: 

  • A characteristic skin rash (erythema migrans)
  • Joint pain
  • Fever/sweats/chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Arthritis
  • Neck Pain

In more serious cases, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to more drastic health issues.

Why Lyme Disease Is on the Rise

When spring arrives, ticks will emerge in greater numbers, leading to an increase in tick bites and infections. In the past five years, the deer tick population has grown substantially due to warmer winters and a larger population of deer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ticks are most active when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive when the humidity is at least 85%. 

Another reason for the apparent rise in cases is the change in reporting criteria. Adjustments in reporting practices in 2022 are expected to reveal a notable uptick in recent years in Lyme disease cases. These adjustments were made due to the shifted focus to reporting COVID-19 cases.

Lyme Disease in Vermont

In Vermont, deer ticks spread numerous tick-borne diseases, including Lyme Disease. 

Fortunately, prompt medical treatment with antibiotics will often result in a complete recovery from the infection. Antibiotic treatments are shown to be effective, even in the later stages of the disease progression. For some, there may be lasting effects on the nervous system or joints. Others have reported still experiencing fatigue, pain, and muscle aches following the antibiotic treatment. 

Vermont Pest Control has a vested interest in the Vermont community and is well aware of the prevalence and dangers of Lyme Disease. With a team of tick experts, we know how to effectively target and eliminate tick populations. 

The Best Way to Prevent Lyme Disease

There are certain day-to-day practices that you can do to help prevent a tick bite. This includes wearing the right clothing, staying away from tall grass, and carrying a tick remover. Additionally, contacting a tick control professional is the next step in preventing ticks and Lyme Disease. Ticks commonly live around homes and will locate you, a family member, or a pet to attach to. 

Vermont Pest Control is here to help curb Lyme Disease in Vermont and keep you and your loved ones safe. Our team of licensed professionals uses tried and true methods, along with the latest technology to ensure your outdoor spaces are safe. Contact us today to get started! 

What Happens to Ticks in the Winter?

tick waiting on leaf

You know by now to look out for ticks when camping or hiking in the warmer season. So, when the weather in Vermont cools down for the winter you might think you no longer have to worry about these burrowing pests. Many pests common to the area are unable to survive in near-freezing weather, so ticks might do the same, right?

Bad news: ticks are more present throughout the winter than you have hoped. They aren’t as active as they are at the height of summer, but they can still pose a problem for homes across the state. So where do ticks go in the winter? Are ticks still a problem when it’s cold out? More importantly, what can you do to prevent these pests from getting warm and cozy on your property?

Vermont Ticks in Winter

There are 850 species of ticks, but only 90 are found in the United States. And if you look at Vermont in particular, you’ll find that there are three main varieties that pose a real problem. Ticks in Vermont include: 

  • Lone Star Ticks, with long mouthparts and a white spot on their back.
  • American Dog Ticks, the most common tick, with a darker back and smaller mouthparts.
  • Deer Ticks, identified by their bright red back and maroon head. Females are most likely to carry Lyme disease.

Each variety of tick has its own individual habits, especially when it comes to living through the cold in Vermont.

Surviving the Winter

The lone star and American dog tick are both considered overwintering pests. That means when the weather cools, they seek out a shelter to go dormant until spring. This might look like hiding under a pile of debris or burrowing deep underground to insulate themselves in soil and snow. They can still cause a problem, especially before the winter when they are the most desperate to find a host before it gets too cold.

Climate change also plays a big part in the habits of these two varieties of ticks. It’s been noted before that Vermont is warming faster in the winter than anywhere else in the United States. That means the season where ticks are most active is longer than ever before. And for varieties like the deer tick, they now have no problem being active all year long.

Ticks, just like any parasitic pest, are uncomfortable for anyone that comes across them. For the sake of safety, it’s best to be on top of any potential infestations.

Checking Your Yard for Ticks

You don’t want to wait until you find a tick burrowed into you or someone else in your household. There’s a simple test you can perform with things you already have around the home. All you need is an old shirt, a stick, and a relatively warm day.

If you attach the shirt to the stick, it mimics the leg of an animal that a tick would want to use as a host. So, if you drag the stick over the grass of your yard, you might draw out a few ticks onto the material. If you do, you can determine for certain that you need tick pest control.

Tick Extermination in Vermont

Vermont Pest Control has been working in pest control services across the entire state since 1991. Since that time, we’ve treated tick infestations of every size and variety. We’ve built a reputation of comprehensive treatment, from that first holistic inspection to the follow-up appointment where we make sure the job we did held up.

Don’t start your spring with a threat of discomfort and Lyme Disease. If you think you have ticks in your yard, contact Vermont Pest Control today for a free quote!

Dealing with Common Late Summer Pests

An American dog tick

While what we refer to as “pest season” ends in the middle of summer, this doesn’t mean that the late summer season is free of pests entirely. In fact, there are several kinds of pests that thrive in these conditions in Vermont. Preventing these pests for the rest of the summer means making regular efforts to ensure that your property is in inviting them in. To learn about late summer pests and the prevention techniques that our technicians at Vermont Pest Control recommend you use against them, read on!

Pests to Look Out For in Late Summer

Several kinds of critters to just find in the heat and relative aridity of the late summer. These are the pests that we are most often called to deal with in August and September:

  • Ticks: These parasitic arachnids lurk in large numbers in the forests of Vermont. Because they breed in the late spring and early summer, tick numbers are at their highest right about now.
  • Wildlife: If an animal hibernates during the winter, it means that they will be out and about all summer, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. Raccoons, possums, and squirrels commonly cause property damage in the late summer.
  • Bees and wasps: If you host regular outdoor get-togethers or have a habit of leaving food out, you can easily attract bees and wasps, or even incentivize them to build a nearby nest.
  • Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a tricky pest to deal with because if you don’t prevent their ability to breed, they can stick around in large numbers through the summer and into the fall.

How Can I Prevent Pests in Late Summer?

While we encourage all of our customers to lead with natural, DIY pest prevention, it is important to know that any serious pest infestation should be addressed by a licensed exterminator right away. That said, we advise you to add these measures to your routines to keep late summer pests away:

  1. Seal gaps shut: You could have tiny gaps or cracks in your fencing, roofing, siding, foundation, windows, or doors that you’ve never paid close attention to. These holes could be used as pest entryways, so seal what you can with a silicone-based caulk and install screens where needed.
  2. Be cautious with garbage: Taking out the trash frequently and using sealable outdoor bins will go a long way in preventing bees, wasps, wildlife, and other pests.
  3. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes will breed in even the tiniest of standing water pools, so you have to cover or pour it out wherever you find it on your property. Be sure to double-check gutters, planter boxes, and other receptacles.
  4. Do regular yard maintenance: Get rid of grass clippings and leaf piles promptly, trim your trees and shrubs back, and take regular decluttering sweeps to prevent pests from finding hiding places.

Late Summer Pest Control in Vermont

Sometimes you discover a pest infestation before you have the time to do anything about it. If you’re dealing with an outbreak of any kind of pests that’s getting out of hand, let your local pest control company know. Our licensed and certified technicians at Vermont Pest Control can assess your property for the cause of the infestation, quickly handle the pest problem, and teach you how to prevent similar ones going forward. For a free quote, contact us today!

Protect Yourself from Ticks & Lyme Disease

A tick on a dog in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Everyone agrees that finding a tick on your body is one of the most unsettling pest-related experiences, but ticks are even more notorious for their ability to induce Lyme disease in humans. As is the case with all pests that harbor diseases, pathogens, and bacteria, it’s important to understand the ways that ticks work so that you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from their bites. If you’re looking to learn more about Lyme disease and preventing ticks, read on. We’ve compiled some expert advice from our technicians at Vermont Pest Control!

What is Lyme Disease?

The deer tick, also known as the blacklegged tick, is the tick species responsible for spreading the bacterium that leads to Lyme disease. Most often, deer tick nymphs spread Lyme disease to humans, rather than adults. This is because nymphs are only about 2mm long, much less noticeable than when they’re fully grown.

Initial symptoms of Lyme disease include headaches, exhaustion, pain in muscles and joints, fever, and rashes. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen into nerve damage and arthritis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe them to be related to a recent tick bite, reach out to a medical professional right away.

How to Avoid Ticks

To protect yourself from Lyme disease, you have to be aware of the habits and preferences of ticks. These parasitic pests hide in bushes, tall grass, or dense vegetation, waiting for small animals to walk by that they can latch on to. Lower to the ground, our dogs end up very vulnerable to tick bites, but it’s easy to come back from a long walk or hike with a tick on your own ankle, too. Here are the best ways to avoid ticks in Vermont:

  • Wear pants and long socks when walking outside in densely vegetated areas
  • Stay on the trail when hiking
  • Perform a tick check on your pets when they come back inside
  • If you find a tick attaching itself to you, use tweezers to pinch it as close to the skin as possible and gently withdraw it

Tick Control in Vermont

If you think that there is a tick presence in your backyard or the area surrounding your property, reach out to your local pest control company. Our tick exterminators at Vermont Pest Control are experts at locating tick hotspots. We can provide you with a property-wide inspection, determining areas at risk for high tick activity and applying professional tick control products to eliminate active populations. To learn more about tick prevention or to receive a free quote on tick pest control services, contact us today!

April Rain Attracts Spring Pests

A tick in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is a frustrating practice year-round here in Vermont, especially in spring. There are many reasons for spring’s infamy as a pest-ridden reason, but one of the most major of these is the amount of rainfall. The rain creates favorable conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive amongst the blooming plant growth that we see in this season. It’s important to know how to get ahead of them. Let the expert exterminators at Vermont Pest Control help out!

What Pests Love Spring Rain?

A rainy spring allows for many kinds of pests around Vermont to thrive. There are a few in particular that you should be watching out for this spring:

  1. Fleas and ticks: These parasitic pests survive by hiding out in dense plant growth, waiting for animals to walk by that they can latch onto. A rainy spring means more hiding places.
  2. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water pools, from sources as big as ponds to as small as puddles. With more opportunities to proliferate, mosquitoes thrive after a rainy spring.
  3. Fire ants: Soil softens after a rainy spring, making it easy for fire ants and other subterranean ants to expand their colonies.
  4. Beetles: Lots of rainfall in spring means our gardens will flourish, but it also gives beetles easy access to plentiful food.
  5. Termites: Sometimes called rain flies, winged termite swarmers come out after a rain to take advantage of damaged wood.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pests During a Rainy Spring?

A rainy spring won’t only make your yard a pest hotspot, it could also lead to pest problems inside your home. We recommend adding these measures to your cleaning routines to prevent pest infestations this spring:

  • Seal any cracks and gaps: Fill in any gaps you find around your doors and windows with weather stripping or screens, whichever you see fit. Cracks in the exterior of your house in walls, roofing, foundation, or otherwise can be filled with a silicone-based caulk.
  • Ensure your gutters are clear: Leaves and other natural debris can build up in your gutters. This can either lead to overflows or perfect standing water sources for mosquitoes to breed in.
  • Prevent standing water from pooling up: Anywhere that standing water pools, pests will come, and this includes the interior of your home. Wipe up any water spills in the kitchen or bathroom promptly.

How Vermont Pest Control Can Help This Spring

If you feel that pest problems are inevitable every spring, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our team at Vermont Pest Control is well versed in our local pest issues. We can assess your property for vulnerabilities, exterminate active pests, and teach you how to avoid your recurring pest problems going forward. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free estimate!

Get Ready for Increased Fall-Winter Pest Activity

A rat inside a home in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Vermont is perhaps most famous for its seasonality. Our dense and healthy forests give way to winter in the most vibrant exhibition of autumn colors in the country. While our state’s flora is a sight to behold, it also creates a perfect environment for all sorts of fauna to thrive.

If you’re looking to learn the best ways to protect your home from pest problems this fall and winter, read on. We’ve put together some information and advice from our technicians at Vermont Pest Control!

Pests in Vermont in Fall and Winter

Unique weather conditions that we experienced over the summer are resulting in an altered pest environment this fall. With a mixture of higher average temperatures and earlier consistent rain, we’ve seen elevated tick and mosquito activity. Both of these blood-drawing pests are most at home in warm and wet conditions. This year’s weather has allowed them to sustain their breeding populations for longer than usual.

However, in the winter to come, rodents are going to take over as the most prominent pests in the state. Early rain is indicative of earlier snowfall, which will force rats and mice to look for warmer shelters to take refuge in. We have removed many rodents from our customers’ crawl spaces, walls, and attics.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released it’s biannual bug barometer—

2021 Bug Barometer - Vermont Pest Control

Preventing Pests in the Cold Seasons

When the highs stop breaching 50 degrees, and even more so when snow starts to fall consistently, we have to change the way we think about pest prevention to account for active pests. These are our three main pointers for conducting your own pest control this fall and winter:

  1. Make sure your home is intact. Look around the exterior of your home for cracks in the walls and foundation, broken roof tiles, vents, and plumbing fixtures, or gaps around your doors and windows. Rats and mice can squeeze through smaller holes than you would imagine.
  2. Keep your yard maintained. Piles of yard waste should be cleared out often and your grass could be cut short to keep potential pest hiding places minimized. Storing your firewood outside and off of the ground will help you reduce the risk of an infestation.
  3. Be careful with trash and food. Take your trash out often and use sealable bins. Also, be sure to seal your food in airtight containers and wash dishes promptly after eating.

Vermont Pest Control’s Fall and Winter Services

Whether you need extra help getting ready to protect your home against rodents this winter or are dealing with bugs in your yard currently, you can count on your local pest control company to take over. At Vermont Pest Control, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to pest removal—a complete property inspection, followed by safe and efficient extermination or removal services, capped off with preventative maintenance work to keep your home pest-free going forward. Contact us today for a free quote on pest control services!

How to Dislodge Ticks Safely

American dog tick found in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Ticks come out again every spring and summer to look for animals to feed on. Their diets can range from birds, to deers, to rodents and other small mammals, but unfortunately, also extend to us and our pets. These sneaky pests are not just a nuisance, they are also capable of causing serious illnesses, including the daunting Lyme disease. To prepare yourself for the height of tick season, you can learn about the types of ticks in your area and the best actions to take once you’ve been bitten.

What Types of Ticks Live in Vermont?

There are several species of ticks living in our area, but three of them stand out as the most prominent:

  • Lone star tick: With their elongated mouthparts and characteristic white spot on their back, the lone star tick is easily identifiable. You’ll often find them in wooded areas where lots of small animals live.
  • American dog tick: These ticks have a very similar anatomy to the lone star tick, but are more reddish-brown in color and have smaller mouthparts. American dog ticks’ common targets are, you guessed it, dogs. This doesn’t stop them from going after humans, though!
  • Deer tick: The deer tick is widely feared for its ability to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. They are smaller and darker in color than the previously mentioned ticks, making them hard to spot.

Although you can only contract Lyme disease from a deer tick bite, each one of these tick species has been known to carry several kinds of dangerous diseases.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

It’s important to remove ticks from your skin as soon as you notice them to avoid contracting a disease. The CDC has laid out these steps for safe tick removal:

  1. Pinch the tick closely to the surface of the skin using a pair of tweezers.
  2. Pull the tick out of the skin with a slow and steady motion. Twisting the tweezers while pulling could cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off in your skin. If this happens, you can use the tweezers to take them out afterward.
  3. After removing the tick, clean the area of the bite with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water.
  4. Get rid of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, throwing it away in a sealed trash can, or putting it in alcohol. Do not use your bare hands to squish it.

You can decrease your chances of developing an illness by removing ticks from your skin as soon as possible. If you start to notice signs of a fever or a rash within 2-3 weeks of a recent tick bite, talk to a medical professional about your symptoms.

Tick Extermination Services in Vermont

If you’re already noticing a heightened population of ticks near your home or around your property, ask your local pest control company about what they can do. The tick experts at Vermont Pest Control have years of experience dealing with all kinds of ticks in our region. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get rid of your tick problem!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Vermont Pest Control

Entomologists from Vermont Pest Control’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

The Dangers of Fleas & Ticks in Vermont

Ticks and fleas are dangerous and can transmit disease in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Fleas and ticks may be tiny insects, but they can be two of the most dangerous pests. This is because they are parasitic, meaning they have to feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. As if this wasn’t scary enough—fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, but are they dangerous to people as well? Unfortunately, yes! Ticks in particular can transmit blood-borne diseases (including Lyme disease) to people. For this reason, it’s very important to do everything in your power to prevent fleas and ticks on your family and pets.

Diseases Spread by Fleas

When you think of fleas, you likely think of your pets. In addition to getting on your pets, fleas are often brought into the home on rodents if you have an infestation. Although it’s rare, fleas can get onto humans, too. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas have been linked back to typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, and tapeworms. Because these diseases can be dangerous for you and your pets, it’s essential to prevent fleas.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can similarly latch onto pets or people, especially outdoors in areas with high grass. There are several types of ticks, and many of them are able to transmit disease. The most common of these is Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can cause damage to the heart and nervous system. Other diseases associated with ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMDF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. With such a list, it’s crucial to stay aware of ticks whenever you are outdoors.

How to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

To prevent fleas and ticks, the number one thing you can do is regularly check your pets for them. Especially after a walk or hike, look at your cat or dog’s fur for these tiny insects. Also consider getting preventative medicines from your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks are most often carried by rodents and wildlife. To prevent the parasitic insects, you must also prevent nuisance wildlife infestations. To do so, try implementing the following tips:

  1. Keep a tidy and clean landscape by avoiding piles of debris, mowing the lawn, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Ensure garbage cans are securely stored with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Don’t leave pet food—or any other food for that matter—outside.
  4. Because fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside. 

Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Vermont is home to both of these dangerous insects, making it important to learn how to effectively prevent them. If you notice flea or ticks nearby and have more questions, the residential pest control experts at Vermont Pest Control are here to help. Contact us today to learn more!

Is Coronavirus Transmitted by Mosquitoes or Ticks?

Mosquitoes do not transmit coronavirus. Vermont Pest Control

Mosquitoes and ticks play a role in the transmission of many global diseases, but to date, coronavirus is not one of them. Here at Vermont Pest Control, we know how distressing things are during these uncertain times. New information about COVID-19 is being released every hour, and our team is closely monitoring the situation. As always, our focus continues to be the safety and health of our communities in Vermont. For that reason, we’re here to dispel the myth that mosquitoes and ticks spread coronavirus. They are responsible for transmitting many vector-borne diseases, which are not spread from person to person as COVID-19 is. Using information from the CDC, we’ve compiled the facts into this new blog post. Keep reading to learn more!

Coronavirus vs. Mosquito & Tick-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases are unlike COVID-19 mainly in the fact that they do not spread from person to person. It’s important to know how this virus is reported to spread:

  • Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is spread from person to person. Vector-borne diseases are not.
  • Research has shown that this virus spreads from droplets from saliva or nasal discharge, often generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. This virus can also be spread when contact is made with contaminated surfaces.
  • Avoiding exposure with infected persons is the best way to prevent this virus. It is very contagious, which is not the case with vector-borne diseases.

Worldwide Vector-Borne Diseases

They may not transmit coronavirus, but mosquitoes and ticks historically transmit some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. These two insects are vectors. Vector-borne diseases are different than coronavirus in several ways. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors”. These dangerous diseases include:

  1. Mosquitoes are infamous for transmitting malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more.
  2. Lyme disease, currently the most common vector-borne disease in the nation, is transmitted by ticks.

Vermont Pest Control is Here For You!

Mosquitoes and ticks do not transmit coronavirus, but they are certainly dangerous. During these uncertain times, we know that pests are still a problem for residents throughout Vermont. Our team is continuing to provide essential pest control services right now and all year long for the safety of our people and communities.

As the COVID-19 situation unfolds, we encourage our customers to seek more information and follow guidelines released by the WHO, CDC, as well as your state and local public health agencies.