Hudson Valley Tick Control

Please call us today at 1.800.716.TREE [8733] or (845) 758-1498 for help with your tick problem.

When is Tick Control Necessary?

tick control During the spring and the summer months, ticks can be our worst enemy. These arthropods, which are often confused with insects, are eight-legged arachnids, like spiders and mites. Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that feed on humans, wild and domestic mammals, birds, reptiles, and many other species. Ticks are totally dependant on the blood of the host to survive. There are about 850 species of ticks worldwide but only 100 out of these species transmit diseases. According the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ticks accounted for 248,074 cases of Lyme disease between 1992-2006.

What are Ticks?

Ticks are arachnids that vary in their size and appearance. They go through four life stages: the egg, larva, nymph, and adult. As a larva, the tick feeds and molts into a nymph and finally into an adult tick. The adult is gender distinctive, and requires blood to nourish itself before it laying eggs. The common species of ticks include

  • Lone star
  • American dog tick
  • Western black-legged tick
  • Brown dog tick

Where are Ticks Located?

Ticks are located throughout the United States in various environments; however, the Hudson Valley is home to a very large population of these pests. This is because of the they thrive in humid and moist places. Most often, ticks are found in or near wooded areas or in infested shrubs and grass; the landscape that makes up the majority of the Hudson Valley.

Should I Be Concearned?

Besides being an annoyance, ticks are a dangerous breed of arachnids. The CDC states ticks cause more vector borne diseases each year than insects such as mosquitoes or fleas. Not only do ticks carry and spread Lyme disease, they cause other illnesses such as:

  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Q fever
  • Tularemia
  • Ehrlichiosis

How Can I Reduce Ticks In My Yard?

tick infestation Here are few pointers for tick control and tick infestation in your yard. These are recommendations that we at Integral Tree and Landscape suggest that you follow:

  • Know where to expect ticks. Remember, they thrive in wooded areas, on vegetation and in grass. Therefore, walk in the center of trails. This way you can avoid ticks.
  • Use an EPA approved repellent on your skin and clothes when exploring nature.
  • Wear light colored clothes and protective clothing. This way, you can see when a tick is crawling on your clothes.
  • Check your body for ticks. Each time you come in from outdoors, you should check your body for ticks.
  • Check your pets for ticks. Don’t forget to check your pets for ticks. Ticks feed on the blood of all animals and can jump from pets to you.
  • Reduce the number of ticks. Work with lawn care professionals to clear out shrubbery. By keeping your yard trimmed and preventing overgrowth in plants and landscaping, you can reduce the number of ticks.
  • Discourage animals that would attract ticks. Remove bird feeders and birdbaths to keep ticks away. Also, keep the area clear of wood, garbage, and leaf piles.
  • Reduce the humidity on your property. Ticks are susceptible to dehydration, so prune trees, clear brush, remove litter, mow grass short and allow it to completely dry between watering.

Have a Tick Infestation?

With the health risks related to tick bites, anyone who thinks they have a problem with ticks should contact a licensed professional. Integral Tree and Landscape Corporation can help you identify areas within your home that are an infestation ground for ticks.

Additionally, when you find a tick on your skin, use tweezers to remove it. Removed ticks can be kept in a plastic bag to be examined for lyme disease by a local health professional. If you accidentally expose your skin to tick fluid, you can use iodine scrub, rubbing alcohol, or water containing detergents to disinfect it. After a tick bite, watch for signs such as a rash and fever. If you notice any signs or feel ill, you should seek the attention of a health care professional immediately.

Please feel free to contact us for additional information on tick control or to arrange for a personal consultation. Our tick control services are offered throughout the Hudson Valley including Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Dutchess County and Columbia County.