Of all the spray programs at Groundhog Turf Care, our tick control services are perhaps the most important, because this insect feeds on people!
Why Tick Spraying Is Important
According to the Center for Disease Control, Lyme disease is now the most common vector-borne infection in humans in the United States. New Hampshire now has the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. Much of this is due to the high concentration of tick populations and residential homes surrounded by ideal tick habitats like wooded areas, trails, and tall grass.
Meet the Black-Legged Tick
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick, is the second-most common type of tick in New Hampshire and is the primary transmitter of Lyme disease. It is most common in the southeast, particularly in Rockingham, Hillsborough and Strafford counties. The incidents of Lyme disease in this region are also the highest in the state.
How Lyme Disease Spreads
The black-legged tick has 3 active life stages: larva, nymph and adult, all whom will feed on a variety hosts, but the larvae feed almost exclusively on the white-footed mouse. This is where the Lyme disease comes from. The second stage of the deer tick, the nymph, is the one most likely to bite humans. This makes them especially dangerous because, after feeding on mice, the nymph tick becomes infected and a carrier of Lyme disease.
Our Tick Control Strategy
Timing and targeting is everything when it comes to effective tick control. Our tick services spray those areas where the tick is most likely hiding, depending on its life cycle. In early spring, when the nymphs are active, we are concentrating on structures near the house – decks, foundations, and plantings. In late spring, after trees have leafed out, we are targeting foliage areas and low-lying deciduous shrubs in perimeter areas. Adult ticks are active in the fall. At that time, our technicians will be targeting the areas of the yard where the adults may seek to lay their eggs.
Are you concerned about ticks in your landscape? Call Groundhog Turf Care today for a free landscape evaluation and quote to make your yard a “tick-free zone!”
Five Fun Facts About Ticks
1. What are the primary differences between ticks and insects?
Ticks are classified as arachnids, which puts them in the same family as spiders and scorpions, unlike insects. While insects typically have six legs, ticks possess eight legs in their adult form, and they go through a more complex life cycle consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.
2. How long can ticks survive without feeding?
Ticks are remarkable survivalists known to go for extended periods without a meal. Some species can survive for up to 18 years without feeding, showcasing their incredible resilience and adaptability to different environmental conditions
3. Do all ticks carry diseases?
Not all tick species transmit diseases. While ticks are known for spreading illnesses like Lyme disease, other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis are also associated with certain tick species. The likelihood of disease transmission largely depends on the tick species and the region.
4. What adaptations do ticks have for feeding on hosts?
Ticks have developed several remarkable adaptations to ensure successful feeding. Before latching onto their host, ticks secrete a cement-like substance that helps them attach firmly. They also release anti-coagulants and anesthetics into the host’s bloodstream to prevent clotting and minimize discomfort, allowing them to feed undetected for extended periods.
5. What environmental conditions can ticks tolerate?
Ticks are known for their impressive adaptability to various environmental conditions. They can withstand extreme temperatures, prolonged desiccation (dry conditions), and even submersion in water. This ability to endure harsh environments contributes to their survival and prevalence in different habitats.
Tick Control Service Areas in New Hampshire
Our tick control services are available in the following New Hampshire locations. If you don’t see your town listed, give us a call – chances are we can service you!
Southern NH
Manchester NH
