Summer should be a time for outdoor play, barbecues and relaxation. But, a dark cloud hangs over our sunshine-filled days: it’s the threat of dangerous mosquitoes and ticks. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has reported that illnesses and diseases from these pesky insects have tripled in the United States in the last decade! While Lyme Disease is the most common, other diseases such as Powassan Virus, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Zika and West Nile Virus are also on the rise. The experts at Giroud Tree & Lawn break down the symptoms, the reasons for the increase in diseases, and how to naturally control mosquitoes and ticks in your yard and make yourself less attractive to these bloodthirsty pests. In order to understand the differences in symptoms among these diseases we have to take a look at each one in depth. Some of them, such as Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus, are more well known. But with an influx of insects from outside the US, you should read on to learn about some you may have never heard of!
Lyme Disease
When it comes to ticks, Lyme Disease is often the one we think of first. Lyme disease is transmitted by Blacklegged Ticks, or Deer Ticks, and it is usually identified by a telltale bullseye rash at the site of the tick bite. Lyme disease can cause a plethora of health problems, including fever, headache, fatigue, damage to the heart and nervous system and joint discomfort. If caught in time, Lyme can be treated with an antibiotic. However, these tiny ticks are often missed and you may not know you’ve been bitten until you start to feel the ill effects.
Powassan Virus
Just like Lyme Disease, Powassan is spread by Deer Ticks. While it’s not as common as Lyme, it is a far more deadly virus! Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, according to the CDC. By contrast, it takes 24 hours for a tick to infect a person or pet with Lyme Disease. That’s precious little time to see the tick and remove it before becoming infected! The CDC also explains that Powassan causes encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, it kills about 10% of people who become sick, and about half of people are left with permanent neurological problems.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The Lone Star Tick has been on the rise in the Northeast, and its bite can lead to a very unusual condition called Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an incurable meat allergy! A recent article in Newsweek explains that the tick picks up a molecule from farm animals and transmits it to humans through its bite. In most cases, the disease is not deadly and can be managed with a change in diet. However, severe reactions to meat can cause an anaphylactic shock and require a shot of epinephrine!
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease that has symptoms of a fever, headache, and rash. If caught in time, it can be treated with an antibiotic, but it can be deadly if it is missed! RMSF is carried by a variety of tick species, and in the Pennsylvania area it is typically spread by dog ticks.
Zika
Zika is a virus spread by mosquitoes, and it often goes undetected. Many people experience very mild symptoms. However, the real cause for concern is that Zika can be very dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies. It causes a variety of birth defects and can even lead to miscarriage. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or cure for Zika, so the only way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquito bites altogether!
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is yet another illness with no cure or vaccine, and, like Zika, it can go undetected with just mild symptoms. However, according to the CDC, “About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness”, and the elderly and those with compromised immune systems in particular need to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Insects on the Rise
There are a lot of reasons why we are seeing an increase in insect-transmitted diseases and illnesses.
How You Can Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
You can’t spend this summer in a bubble! So how can you safely enjoy your yard without becoming the next meal for hungry ticks and mosquitoes? Giroud has pulled together the 10 Best Tips for Natural Mosquito and Tick Control with help from Mother Earth Living and Prevention. It’s a war. But it’s a war you can win in your yard and with personal repellents.
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How to Naturally Control Mosquitoes and Ticks in Your Yard
It takes an all-out assault on the parts of your yard that attract the bloodsuckers as well as creating a pest repellent barrier.
Even if you do all of the above, you can still get bitten or stung this summer. If that happens, reach for these natural home remedies:
Concerned about ticks and mosquitoes? Your Giroud ISA Certified Arborist will be happy to do a free evaluation.
Alpha gal is not picked up by a farm animal after the tick has bitten it . Tick s are born with the alpha gal enzyme in their saliva prior to a blood meal . Please check your facts .
Hi Deborah, thanks for your comment. The Newsweek article referenced in this blog post, found here- https://www.newsweek.com/alpha-gal-syndrome-incurable-meat-allergy-spread-ticks-907971 – explains that “The condition is named after the molecule galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, which is found in mammals like cows and pigs and spreads when the bug bites an animal and then tucks into a human, mixing their blood.” After reading your comment, I found some additional research on the Mayo Clinic website that supports this theory as well. They explain in their post, found here- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608 – that “Ticks that cause alpha-gal syndrome are believed to carry alpha-gal molecules from the blood of the animals they commonly bite, such as cows and sheep. When a carrier tick bites a human, the tick injects alpha-gal into the person’s body.” Please let me know if you find another source that explains this disease another way. Thanks!