Take tick control measures in July, the peak month for Lyme disease

More cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed in July than any other month. July is therefore an appropriate time for homeowners to take steps to control ticks on their property.

(PRWEB) July 9, 2004 -- In the United States, more Lyme disease cases are diagnosed in July than any other month. July is therefore a time for homeowners and property managers to consider taking steps to reduce tick populations on their property. Methods of tick control fall primarily into two categories: creating an inhospitable environment for ticks and managing the hosts that ticks feed on.

A range of measures can make your property unwelcoming for ticks including clearing away brush, mowing areas frequented by people and pets, and placing a gravel border between woods and lawns. Host management falls into two categories- controlling host populations, and treating hosts with insecticides. Host control can take several forms including fencing to exclude deer, and reducing food sources for mice and other small rodents. New methods for treating hosts are now available from licensed pesticide applicators in many states, and these methods have been reported to reduce tick populations by over 90%.

More information about tick control is available in a new book entitled Ticks Off! Controlling Ticks That Transmit Lyme Disease" by Patrick Guilfoile, Ph.D. More information is available on the web at www.tickbook.com, or from the publisher, ForSte Press, Inc. P.O. Box 1537, Bemidji, MN 56619; (218) 243-4016.