Ticks in Tennessee Are on the Rise. Here’s What You Need to Keep in Mind.
Okay Middle Tennessee. We need to get serious for a second. The Tennessee Department of Health is urging all Tennesseans to take action against tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. There’s not a more perfect time to protect yourself, your family, and pets this season with our Mosquito, Flea, and Tick services.
We all love to be outside during this time of year. The weather gets nicer and we crave more time in the sun. But it’s important to keep these prevention tips in mind while you’re enjoying time outside.
According to a recent post from THD, they recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, and to always check for ticks before you head back indoors.
Whether you’re spending your time at the lake, hiking local trails, gardening, or simply hanging out in your backyard, the last thing you want to worry about is bringing ticks home with you. Unfortunately, the prime time for tick season is spring and summer in Middle Tennessee, especially with the humidity and rainy weather.
However, we’ve got some good news for you. There are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of tick bites and enjoy the outdoors safely. Let’s dive in!
Why Tick Activity is Increasing in Tennessee
We know that ticks are becoming more active as the weather gets warmer. And Tennessee’s humid climate creates the most ideal environment for them to thrive in. With the mild winters, moist air, and increased wildlife activity, you will start to see more tick populations moving throughout the state.
While you’re spending time in nature this season, be aware of the following areas: tall grass, wooded areas, leaf piles, overgrown landscape, bodies of water, and hiking trails. Even the cleanest yards can become a hotspot for ticks if the conditions allow.
Why Ticks are a Growing Concern Across the Country
One reason for ticks becoming a growing concern across the United States is the diseases they spread. Some of the most common tick-borne illnesses include Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that’s transmitted through a tick bite. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, and a bullseye-shaped rash. If it’s not treated in time, it’ll lead to more serious health concerns with your joints, nervous system, and heart.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Now, we know what you’re thinking. The name makes it sound awful. Despite its name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is very common in the southeastern United States, including Tennessee. It’s primarily spread through the American dog tick and causes symptoms like fever, rash, nausea, headaches, and even muscle pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, we highly encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If it’s left untreated, your symptoms will become more severe dangerously quick.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Another disease that’s pretty unusual is alpha-gal syndrome. This can be commonly spread by the Lone Star tick. It’s known to trigger a very serious allergy to red meat and other animal products. Some people might not even experience any symptoms until several hours after eating. So, if you think you’ve been bitten by a tick, it’s best to seek help right away. Don’t let the tick bite win!
Why You Should Take Tick Prevention Seriously
While ticks are extremely small insects, they’re not ones you want to hang around. What makes them sneaky is how easy they’re able to hide on you. In most cases, tick bites are painless and attach to you in areas you don’t often check.
The next time you’re exploring the outdoors, we recommend checking all around you before you go back inside. For instance, ticks can be found behind the knees, around your waistline, under your arms, along your scalp, around ears, and deep in your pet’s fur.
Since these pests are so easy to miss, prevention is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Everything we’ve discussed so far goes a long way in reducing the risk of exposing yourself to a serious tick bite.
Let’s Not Forget About Our Furry Friends
Your pets are a major concern when it comes to ticks this time of year. When the weather is nice, your pets prefer to spend most of their time outside. I mean, who wouldn’t? Further, dogs can easily pick up ticks while walking through the grass, along trails, or right in their own backyard. Once the tick latches onto your pet, they’re able to transmit diseases and hitch a free ride into your home.
If your pet is scratching excessively, eating less, or you can visibly see ticks in their fur, it’s your sign to get them checked immediately. As you can see, regular check-ups at the vet and professional yard treatments will keep your pets safer during peak tick season.
How to Reduce Tick Activity Around Your Home
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of ticks in your yard is to make it less appealing. Meaning that, it’s better to keep your outdoor spaces maintained on a regular basis.
Keep Your Grass Cut
Taller grass can create the perfect hiding spot for ticks. So, mowing the grass regularly will help reduce moisture and kick them out of the places they love the most.
Remove Leaf Litter and Yard Debris
Piles of leaves, sticks, and bushes create moist and shaded areas. And guess what? This is where they’re able to thrive.
Create Barriers Between Wooded Areas and Your Yard
If your property borders wooded areas, consider using gravel or mulch borders to create separation between ticks and outdoor spaces.
Call the Professionals For Help!
While it’s a good idea to prepare your home, it’s an even better idea to call the professionals. Our Mosquito, Flea, and Tick treatments add another layer of protection around your home.
The pest pros at U.S. Pest are trained to tell you where ticks commonly hide and help identify other pest problems around your home. Consistent treatments during peak pest season are made to create a more comfortable environment for you, your pets, and loved ones.
Wrapping Up
As your neighbor in Middle Tennessee, we want you to feel safe in your yard this summer. After all, the summer is a season that’s meant to be enjoyed, right? It doesn’t matter if you’re grilling, hanging out at the lake, or playing catch in the backyard. We just want to remind you to take a few extra precautions so you can avoid unwanted encounters with ticks.
While ticks are quickly moving across the state of Tennessee, you can still have your pest-free home with the right treatment plan. If you’re ready to get ahead of the ticks this season, learn more about our Mosquito, Flea, and Tick services on our website today!
