Tick activity in Massachusetts peaks twice a year—once from March to August and again from October to November. These annoying insects spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other illnesses, so it's important to avoid tick bites whenever possible. Luckily, Cape Cod Mosquito Squad can help. Below are some key tick control suggestions to keep your pets and family safe.

3 Important Tick Control Tips for Autumn

1.  Avoid Tick Problem Areas

Ticks like to inhabit grassy and brushy areas, so avoid spending time in areas overgrown with vegetation or shrubs. If possible, limit your pet's access to such areas, as well. Mow tall grass and rake fallen leaves to make your yard less attractive to tick populations. When you're hiking, remain in the center of trails to avoid accidental contact with tick habitats.

2. Dress to Protect Skin

When you know you will be spending time in areas of wild vegetation, dress to cover exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and button them at the wrists. Wear long slacks, tuck shirts into your waist, and tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks away from your body. Before returning indoors, check yourself—and any companions—for tick hitchhikers. Remove any unwanted passengers from your clothing with tweezers before entering.

3. Remove Clothing

Once indoors, remove clothing and check yourself in a mirror for ticks on your skin. Remove any you find with sterilized tweezers. Grab the bug as close to the skin as you can and pull firmly upward without twisting. If you find ticks on your clothing, place the apparel in the dryer on high heat for at least ten minutes, to destroy them. If you must wash the clothes first, wash on high heat in a normal cycle.

Massachusetts ticks can spread disease, injure pets, and cause anxiety. If you're experiencing problems, contact the tick control experts at Cape Cod Mosquito Squad in Wellfleet, MA. They have served Barnstable County since 2005,  specializing in tick spray, mosquito misting, and other types of essential pest control. They are known throughout the Cape area for their friendly service and successful outcomes. Learn more about them by visiting their website or call (508) 589-4994 to schedule natural tick control.