There are a lot of nuisance pests that we deal with every day but there are two pests in particular that can cause serious problems for our health. The first pest is the tick- specifically the blacklegged tick, which is also known as the deer tick. This pest can carry a particular bacterium that they can spread to humans and to pets which can cause Lyme disease. If left untreated, Lyme disease can be more than just a fever, a headache and fatigue, but can eventually spread to the joints, the heart and the nervous system. Mosquitoes are another pest that we commonly come into contact with in Albany. Mosquitoes are known to spread West Nile virus, yellow fever and other serious illnesses. Protecting yourself and your family from these pests is very important. So what can be done to prevent ticks and mosquitoes this spring and summer? Here are some helpful pest prevention tips from the Albany pest control pros at Thomas Pest Services.

To avoid picking up ticks and getting a tick bite, there are a few things you can do:

• If you have pets, make sure they are treated regularly with a veterinarian approved flea and tick treatment. This treatment may be expensive, but it is worth it to protect the health of your pet and to keep them from bringing ticks into your home.

• Always check your body and your pet’s body when you return indoors after spending time outside. If you have spent time in a wooded area or an area with tall grass, take a quick shower so that you can wash off any ticks that may have landed on your skin.

• Dress appropriately when spending time outdoors. If you know you’ll be in a wooded area, wear long pants and long sleeves and cover yourself up as best as possible.

• If walking a trail, stay close to the center of the trail and try not to brush up against tree branches, long grass or shrubbery.

• On your property, make sure that grass is cut short and put up fences if wild animals like deer or raccoons frequent your yard.

To avoid mosquitoes and the bites they deliver, here is what you can do:

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so make sure to eliminate any receptacles on your property that may catch rain water. You should also make sure that ditches and rain gutters are flowing freely and are not blocked.

• Always wear insect repellent when spending time outdoors. You may want to check with your doctor (and your child’s pediatrician) to find out what concentration of DEET is safe to use, but it is important to use repellent anytime you go outdoors.

• Keep grass short. Mosquitoes will take refuge in the cool grass during the hotter parts of the day.

• Female mosquitoes may feed on your blood, but their main source of food is nectar. Eliminate their food sources by removing flowering plants from your property.

Although these tips can help you avoid run-ins with both ticks and mosquitoes, they will not eliminate your chances entirely. To protect your home, your family and your pets from the diseases spread by these pests, we recommend our mosquito and tick control services. Our program includes a thorough inspection of your property to evaluate the conditions that may be inviting these pests. This program also identifies areas where they may be hiding. The service will include treatments around the structure and property to help achieve tick and mosquito control for your home. Our professionals always achieve the best results when it is an ongoing maintenance service. Please contact us today to learn more about tick control and mosquito control in Albany and to schedule your first service.