Ticks
The main species of concern in cottage country is the deer tick or blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) because of its ability to transmit Lyme disease. This is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which lives in the gut of certain tick species. When a tick with this bacteria feeds on a mammalian host, the bacterium slowly moves from the gut of the tick, up to the mouth and into the system of the host.
Limiting tick harbourage on your property is the easiest way to protect yourself, your family and guests. This includes keeping grass trimmed, eliminating leaf or brush piles and placing a 'buffer' between forested areas and recreational areas. Ticks do not drink water, so they need a moist environment to survive. Drying up your property will make it uninhabitable for them, and will also help with mosquito control! We're happy to advise custom solutions for your property and provide a quote for us to do the dirty work! Contact us to chat further about your solution.
Vectors
It is also important to limit animals which can carry ticks close to your home or cottage. Mice, chipmunks and migratory birds are thought to be the main carriers of ticks. These animals should be kept away from your property if ticks are of high concern.