Cape Cod is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and scenic views. However, it’s no secret that ticks are also a common sight on the peninsula. These small arachnids are active year-round and carry dangerous diseases like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Powassan Virus and a host of other diseases. Here's what you should know about tick control measures, in addition to the help of Cape Cod Mosquito Squad in Wellfleet and Dennis Port, MA, to help you protect yourself and your family. 

How Can I Protect Myself?

Ticks can transmit harmful diseases to humans, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. The most common tick species on Cape Cod are deer ticks and dog ticks. Taking preventive measures when spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of bites. Here are some simple yet effective tick control measures you can implement to protect yourself: 

• Wear protective clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outdoors, especially in wooded areas. 
• Use repellents: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and permethrin to clothing and footwear. Pre-treated clothing and gear are also available in the market. 
• Perform regular checks: Be on the lookout for ticks after spending time outdoors. Inspect your clothing and skin, and pay attention to areas like the scalp, back of the knees, around the ears, and under the arms. If you find one, use a fine-tipped tweezer to remove it, pulling upward with even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the mouthparts to remain on the skin, increasing the risk of infection. 

What Can I Do to Protect My Home?

Ticks commonly inhabit grassy or wooded areas and can take shelter in your backyard. They tend to favor certain locations of your lawn, including areas along fence lines, under trees, or locations with overgrown vegetation. You can reduce their presence by keeping your yard clean and well-maintained. Deer, coyotes, foxes, opossums, raccoons, and other wildlife that carry ticks can be deterred by removing food or water sources, such as bird feeders, enclosing or pooling water and enclosing trash cans. Pest control companies offer professional yard spraying treatments for further protection. 

Protect yourself and your home from nuisances of all kinds with the help of Cape Cod Mosquito Squad in Wellfleet and a new office in Dennis Port, MA. This 4.9 rated pest control company offers mosquito and tick control services, including yard spraying and barrier treatment. Learn more about their tick control services online, or call (508) 589-4994 to schedule an appointment.