Spring Tick Prevention For Homeowners In Southern Maine

May 15, 2019

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Maine springs may be short and full of mud, but everyone who lives through a Maine winter knows how wonderful it feels to see the snow melt, watch the trees bud, and feel the warm air against your skin. A Maine spring also means that summer is just around the corner and if anything is more glorious than a Maine spring, it’s a Maine summer. But summer has its downfalls too, most notably the pests that thrive in the warmer months. It is important to take steps during the spring months to avoid ticks this summer.  The good news is that locally owned and operated Pine State Pest Solutions is here to help!

When Ticks Become Active

If the winter temperatures get cold enough and the snow cover doesn’t insulate the ground too much, a lot of ticks can die off in the winter. Most of the time though, they simply remain dormant until the weather gets warm enough to become active again. Once spring arrives, they’ll begin to move around and look for hosts. As spring and summer progress and they have a chance to lay eggs, tick populations will continue to grow throughout the summer and into the fall.

What Makes Ticks Thrive on Your Property and How to Prevent Them

Ticks like warm, humid environments. They can’t survive if it gets too dry. Ticks can often be found along the edge of your lawn, where the grass meets the treeline. They also are often found in leaf matter. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find them on the lawn itself.

Ticks are most likely to end up on your lawn while being carried by wildlife. Once there, they can be picked up by you, your children, or your pets.

The best thing you can do to prevent ticks from getting onto your lawn is to prevent wildlife from coming onto your property. While it might be impossible to keep 100% of wildlife off your property, you can make it an unattractive place for them to visit. Do so with the following tips:

  • Remove or reduce food sources, including pet food, bird feeders, and edible plants.
  • Remove or reduce water sources by installing good drainage systems, cleaning gutters, and eliminating standing water.
  • Keep garbage bins covered with tight-fitting lids.
  • Cut back vegetation around the perimeter of your house.
  • Keep your lawn free of debris and keep the grass trimmed.
  • Reduce hiding spots for wildlife such as wood piles and rock walls.

What to Do if You Find Ticks on Your Lawn

Ticks are a major problem in Maine and they can cause serious health problems. If you find them on your property, give Pine State Pest Solutions a call. We will inspect your property and treat the areas most susceptible to tick activity. We’ll also suggest ways to make your lawn less likely to attract ticks.

If you’re a homeowner in Portland or elsewhere Southern or Central Maine, Pine State Solutions' tick control will give you peace of mind. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Tags: tick control

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