Ticks vs. Mosquitos: Which Is The Bigger Threat This Summer in Cambridge?

As the summer sun begins to cast its golden glow over Cambridge, outdoor enthusiasts are greeted not only by the warmth of the season but also by the unsettling reality of pests—particularly ticks and mosquitoes. The pressing question on everyone's mind: which of these biting menaces poses the bigger threat? With a rise in tick populations, the danger of tick-borne diseases becomes a tangible concern. Learning effective tick removal is essential, as is familiarizing yourself with what ticks look like and where they lurk. Meanwhile, mosquitoes remain a buzz-worthy adversary, swarming backyard barbecues and dusk-time picnics. To reclaim the joy of summer and ensure public health, pest control in Cambridge is essential, with Truly Nolen leading the charge against these tiny yet formidable foes. Whether they crawl or fly, the battle against these pests is pivotal for a serene season.

Health Risks Posed by Ticks: Lyme Disease and Other Illnesses

The risk presented by ticks extends far beyond the initial bite. These small but mighty arachnids often carry harmful pathogens, capable of causing a spectrum of tick-borne diseases in humans. Most notably, Lyme disease is an illness that if left untreated, can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, causing severe health complications. The bacterial infection, transmitted primarily by black-legged ticks, manifests through symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headaches, and skin rash. Over time, these symptoms can evolve into more serious health conditions like neurological disorders and heart disease. Besides Lyme disease, other tick-borne diseases that require attention include the Powassan virus, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. All these diseases are distinguished by various symptoms but can equally be dangerous to human health if not promptly treated. The risk posed by ticks is heightened in the summer months when they are most active. Awareness and preventive measures can help mitigate the risk of these tick-borne diseases, ultimately ensuring a safe, enjoyable summer season for everyone.

Preventive Measures: How to Protect Yourself from Ticks

The key to protecting yourself from ticks lies predominantly in avoiding contact with tick-infested areas and taking precautionary measures when you have to venture into such environments. If you are planning to spend time outdoors, especially in woods or tall, grassy areas, follow the below steps: Wear Protective Clothing:

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants can protect your skin from exposure to ticks.
• Tuck your pants into your socks to create a physical barrier against ticks.
• Light-Coloured clothing makes it easier for you to spot any ticks.

Use Tick Repellents:

Products containing at least 20% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or Permethrin can be used to repel ticks. Check for Ticks: After returning from tick-infested areas, it's crucial to check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Additionally, keeping your property tick-free can play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of tick exposure.

Health Risks Posed by Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

It's well-documented that mosquitoes can transmit harmful diseases to humans, with West Nile Virus being among the most notable in North America. Typically, symptoms of this virus may range from mild fever and body aches to severe neurological impacts. The magnitude depends on the individual's immune response and, in rare cases, it can lead to death. But the threat from mosquitoes does not end with the West Nile Virus. There are other diseases like Zika, dengue, and yellow fever which mosquitoes can transmit. While these diseases are more prevalent in other parts of the world, increased global travel, climate change, and shifting mosquito populations can contribute to their potential presence here in Canada. Malaria is another mosquito-borne disease which has been largely eliminated in Canada but is still a significant threat in many other parts of the world. Anopheles mosquitoes, that can transmit malaria, are present in certain regions of Canada, indicating that there's a risk, albeit small, of locally acquired cases occurring.

Preventive Measures: How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

While it's nearly impossible to completely avoid mosquitoes, there are effective strategies to mitigate your risk of unwanted exposure. Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce your chances of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile virus.

• Apply Mosquito Repellents: Make sure to apply a mosquito repellent that contains an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin, as they are generally known to be most effective. Repellents don't kill mosquitoes but rather deter them from landing or biting.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Another effective method is to cover your skin as much as possible. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for prolonged periods during peak mosquito hours - usually dawn and dusk. Light-Coloured clothing can also help, as mosquitoes are generally attracted to dark colours.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Reducing mosquito breeding sites is one of the best ways to control their population. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even in small amounts. Regularly empty and clean birdbaths, old tires, flowerpot saucers, and any containers that might collect rainwater.
• Mosquito-proof Your Home: Lastly, ensure your home is less hospitable to mosquitoes. Keep doors and windows shut or make sure they're fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Check the screens regularly for holes where mosquitoes could potentially get in.

Consider professional mosquito control services if the number of mosquitoes in your area seems to be uncontrollable. Truly Nolen offers a comprehensive mosquito control and prevention plan specifically designed to tackle the problem at its source, reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Choose Truly Nolen for Pest Control in Cambridge

At Truly Nolen Canada, our primary mission is to safeguard your well-being from the discomfort and health risks brought about by ticks and mosquitoes. As seasoned pest control experts, we approach each case with meticulous attention to detail and customized treatments to effectively combat these ubiquitous summer threats. We take pride in offering a comprehensive range of pest control solutions that are scientifically proven and environmentally friendly. This commitment to quality service ensures that you and your family can enjoy outdoor activities in the summer, without the worry of tick and mosquito bites. Let's outline some key reasons why people choose us for their pest control needs.

Proactive Pest Control

Our pest control strategies are not limited to reactive measures. We take a proactive approach, focusing on prevention, which is the most effective means of controlling these pests. By addressing potential breeding sites and adopting best-in-class treatment techniques, we significantly reduce the risks of future infestations.

Highly Trained Staff

Our team is composed of highly trained professionals who know how to deal with a variety of pest issues. They have a deep understanding of the biology and habits of ticks and mosquitoes, which enables them to devise the optimum treatment plan for your specific situation.

Extensive Experience

With a rich history dating back to 1938, our wealth of experience is your weapon against ticks and mosquitoes. We have successfully managed a wide range of infestations allowing us to be well-prepared and competent in dealing with varying situations.

Guaranteed Service

At Truly Nolen, we stand behind our work. That’s why all our services carry a robust guarantee. Yes, you read that correctly, we offer an assurance of quality entailing a comprehensive follow-up procedure. We are dedicated to solving your pest problems effectively and efficiently. What does this mean exactly? If you are not completely satisfied with the results of our work, we won’t back down! Our services aren't just one-and-done affairs. On the contrary, we believe in perfecting our action, meaning we will return your call to reassess and reapply treatment, if required, at no additional cost. This, we believe, is the Truly Nolen difference. Whether it's mosquitoes that are ruining your summer BBQ or ticks that threaten your family’s health during hiking trips, we know you want these pest problems solved quickly. Our dedicated team will be on hand to provide swift, effective treatments for both pests, getting your summer back on track. You can trust us when it comes to managing these threats, aiding in creating a safer environment for your loved ones. Don't let ticks and mosquitoes put a damper on your summer activities. Act now and ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Trust Truly Nolen Canada for comprehensive pest control solutions. Contact us today and take back control of your summer!