Most New York residents are aware that this year, tick populations are going to be heavier than normal. Tick populations are on the rise, not due to the mild weather, but acorn populations. Ticks are no stranger to Saratoga and the Capital Region and can transmit diseases like, Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Albany's local WTEN reports, the increase in tick populations comes the possibility of tick borne diseases.

YNN Albany already reports, a two year old from Dutchess County is recovering from rare tick paralysis, from a dog tick. This is the first case of its kind in the northeast since 1998, which can result in complete respiratory failure.

How to prevent ticks:

• Wear light-colored clothing, which is easier to ticks on.
• Keep shirts tucked in, and always wear closed-toe shoes in woodsy areas.
• Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening, and don’t sit directly on the ground or stone walls.
• Examine your clothes, gear, and pets thoroughly after spending time outdoors.
• Check your skin. Not all ticks attach right away, but others will wander and look for places like the ear or other areas where the skin is thinner. Don’t forget about some of my sneakiest hiding spots, like under the arms, inside the belly button, and around all head and body hair.
• Some ticks don’t implant right away, so showering within a couple of hours of gardening or walking in the woods may remove them.
• It’s also a good idea to put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes, which can destroy ticks hiding on your clothes you may have missed.

Thomas Pest Services, your tick control expert wants to protect your health, family, friends, children, pets and property from these scary critters. Thomas Pest Services, a local, family owned pest management company treats properties for ticks seasonally and prior to events to reduce mosquito and tick populations. Contact us by phone 1-877-518-2847, email, twitter, or facebook for your free estimate and inspection today.