Why are tick populations so heavy?

Very fall, oak trees produce acorns, which provide food for mammals during the winter months. Oak trees tend to have cycles where some years they produce more or less of acorns. Acorns are a source of protein and fat for many wildlife species like squirrels, chipmunks, mice, deer, raccoons and turkeys. With a large amount of acorns available, mice do not need to move around much during the winter avoiding predators. Since, they are well nourished they can begin their spring breeding season earlier than usual. This leads to a larger population of mice after a good acorn year.

As a result, the blacklegged (deer) tick population also increased because the ticks had an abundance of mice to feed on when they hatched. However, this spring those same ticks will be looking for their second meal as nymphs, but a decline in the mice population may force them to find new warm-blooded host - humans.

Researchers at downstate, Bard College found 90% of the larval ticks that feed on mice become infected with Lyme disease bacteria. With an increased mouse population, it will lead to an increase of infected ticks during the summer of 2012.

Will mosquito and tick service eliminate all mosquitoes and ticks?

As you might imagine, it is near impossible to prevent a mosquito or tick from coming into your yard. However, ongoing mosquito and tick treatments will provide a reduction in mosquitoes and tick along with reducing developing populations. The service consists of treating wood lines, shrubs, bushes and lawn areas.

How many mosquito and tick services are recommended?

Mosquito and tick services are recommended monthly during the spring and summer to remain effective since products will inevitability breakdown. Thomas Pest Service offers event treatments to properties prior to graduations, birthdays, anniversaries to make the outdoors much more enjoyable.

Do I need to be home for the treatments?

Mosquito and tick treatments are completed to the outdoors so you do not need to be home. We do ask all people and pets are inside during the treatment and stay off the treated areas until dry.

Are the products used for the mosquito and tick service safe?

The products utilized for the mosquito and tick service are targeted for mosquitoes and ticks. The product contains natural botanical which targets the octopamine receptors in mosquitoes and ticks. Since vertebrates like birds, fish, dogs and people don’t have octopamine receptors; they are not affected by this unique mode of action. source

In addition to the mosquito and tick service, what else can be done around the property to reduce mosquito and tick populations?

• Check your property for standing water.
• Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from your home. Clogged gutters create standing water and are the perfect place for mosquitoes and other pests to breed. Clogged gutters will also encourage other pests that can damage your home.
• Throw away old tires, buckets and other yard rubbish that allow mosquitoes to breed.
• Ticks prefer wooded and bushy areas with high grass and a lot of leaf litter. Keep these areas maintained.
• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors.

Living in and around the Capital Region it is inevitable you will be outside. Thomas Pest Services offers a mosquito and tick service to Clifton Park and surrounding areas in the Capital Region. Unfortunately, keeping mosquitoes or ticks off your property is nearly impossible, but Thomas Pest Services can help reduce you and your families’ risk. If you live in Clifton Park or elsewhere in the Capital Region and need assistance getting rid of mosquitoes or ticks, fill out our contact form today for a free estimate!