Tick Control

Ticks are a growing concern in Maine with the potential for Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. The most common ticks found are the Deer Tick and the American dog tick. They feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles and depend entirely on the blood of one or more hosts for survival. Ticks are not able to fly or jump and must climb and perch on grass blades or branches waiting to attach to a host, such as humans or other animals. The nymphs typically feed on the smaller animals, birds or rodents and the adults are typically found on larger animals or humans.

What are signs and symptoms of Lyme disease? Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease usually appear within a couple days to a week or so after a tick bite. The rash can vary in size and shape expanding over a week or more appearing as a “bulls- eye.” The rash can be hot to the touch but is usually not painful. The severity of Lyme disease is variable. If you suspect symptoms of Lyme disease it is best to consult a physician to determine what is happening, since other diseases can mimic Lyme disease. Remember, not every tick carries a disease.
What do you do if a tick attaches itself to you? Use thin tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick straight upward with steady even pressure. After removing the tick it can be a good idea to save the tick. If you decide to keep the tick for testing, store it in a small jar of alcohol.

How often do we treat for ticks? Quality Lawn Services treats for ticks 2 times per year. The first application is in the spring during May and early June. The spring application helps to control the nymphs. We then do the second application in the fall the middle of September into October to control the adult Ticks. Ticks can be active in the fall until day time temps fall below 40 degrees.

How does Quality Lawn Services treat for ticks? We use a spray for our tick control applications which delivers the best results killing and repelling ticks–granular treatments are ok but usually not as effective. Organic treatments are usually not very effective, as they only kill and repel ticks for a shorter period of time and also require many more applications during the season. When we treat, we spray a perimeter barrier around the property where the grass meets the woods including around stone walls, mulch beds and ornamental plantings. People and pets may use the property again after the treatment has dried.