Ticks in Massachusetts

As many people have heard, there has been a lot of coverage in the media about fear that we're on the brink of an unprecedented Lyme Disease outbreak here in the northeast, especially in Massachusetts. While we want everybody to have more awareness about the threat posed by ticks in Massachusetts, we also think it's important to provide some perspective. 

Ticks have always been a major threat in New England, especially in recent years. This is nothing new. New cases of Lyme Disease continue to rise in our area. This is also nothing new.

The increased media coverage centered on new cases of Lyme Disease this year has been related to a few key changes in the natural world. First, our mild winter didn't do much to slow down the rodent population in our area. As you likely know, mice are prolific transporters of ticks, which of course, may carry Lyme-causing bacteria in their blood. Second, some experts say a bumper acorn crop has contributed to the exploding rodent population in our area. These factors, among some other variables, are contributing to this fear of an unprecedented Lyme Disease outbreak.

We provide comprehensive pest solutions at Burgess Pest Management, which includes seasonal tick control, in addition to year round rodent control, both on the inside and outside of properties. The best way to reduce pest pressure of this kind is a sensible and balanced approach, which generally includes a service that's spaced at appropriate intervals. In some cases, that's a tick treatment every 4-6 weeks.

As always, we want you to remain cautious, stay vigilant, and be healthy.