Ticks are not just a nuisance – they are a health concern as well

Ticks are not just a nuisance, they are a health concern as well: As we spend more time in our yards it is important for our peace of mind to know that it is free of ticks and safe for our children and pets. Mild winters, such as the one we just had, mean more ticks. An early thaw means more time to reproduce. That means there will be more ticks this year…

With this in mind, we asked our award-winning arborist and regular What To Do contributor, Ken Almstead to give us his insight on safe and effective tick and mosquito control.

Tick and Mosquito Control, including organic options

The most effective way to avoid tick and mosquito-borne disease is to not get bitten! 

Mosquitoes and ticks need to be killed or repelled before they can find a host. This means targeting them at every stage of their life cycle. In addition to traditional controls, organic sprays been proven to be very effective in controlling ticks and mosquitoes while being safe for humans and pets.

TICKS

Ticks can transmit several dangerous diseases. Over 3,000 people in the New York region are diagnosed with Lyme Disease every year. Infection rates in our area are among the highest in the country. Ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which have similar symptoms to Lyme, are also common, with hundreds of cases in our area every year. Recently, the Powassan virus has also been diagnosed in the New York Metro area; Powassan can lead to encephalitis and respiratory disease. When applied properly, tick pesticides (known as acaricides) are extremely effective for tick control. If you don’t like to use chemicals on your property, Cedar Cure™ is an effective organic alternative to arcaricides. It uses cedar wood oil to kill and repel ticks. Ticks detest the smell of cedar and will avoid areas that have been treated.

MOSQUITOES

Mosquito-borne illness has become a reality in our area. Over 100 cases of West Nile Virus are reported to the Center for Disease Control from the New York region each year, with many more going unreported. It is a dangerous virus that can lead to sickness and even death. Two deaths were reported in Connecticut last year and 65 mosquito samples in New Jersey tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE. This virus grows in birds that live in swamps. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, it can then transmit the virus to animals, and sometimes people. Although human cases of EEE are rare, it is a good idea to control mosquitoes on your property as a safeguard against this and other insect-borne diseases. Traditional and organic controls are available. MosquitoCure™ is an effective organic solution for mosquitoes. It contains a mixture of Cedarwood Oil, Lemongrass oil, Citronella Oil, Rosemary Oil, Garlic Oil, and Red Thyme Oil. MosquitoCure™ is highly effective for fast knockdown and control of mosquitoes while being safe for children, pets and fish — with long lasting repellent action.

In addition to treating your property, an arborist can make recommendations on how to make your yard a less tick and mosquito friendly environment. More on organic pest control from Ken Almstead.

By Ken Almstead

About Ken Almstead: Almstead CEO, Ken Almstead, was named a “2017 True Professional of Arboriculture™” by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He is one of only five arborists selected in 2017 as an ISA “True Professional.”

Almstead Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care provides arbor care, plant health care, lawn care, organic care, consulting, planting and mulch services for commercial and residential clients in Westchester County. They operate four branch offices including one in Hawthorne. (Almstead Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care, 15 Broadway, Hawthorne, 914.741.1510; www.almstead.com)

More Lawn & Tree Care Tips from Ken Almstead.

Tree Pruning Tips from Ken Almstead