CDC Reports that Mosquito and Tick Diseases Have Tripled so Giroud Tree and Lawn Explains the Symptoms of Some New Illnesses and How to Naturally Control These Insects
Huntingdon Valley, PA (PRWEB) June 25, 2018 -- The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has reported that illnesses and diseases from these mosquitoes and ticks have tripled in the United States in the last decade. While Lyme Disease is the most common, other diseases such as Powassan Virus, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Zika and West Nile Virus are also on the rise. The experts at Giroud Tree & Lawn break down the symptoms, the reasons for the increase in diseases, and how homeowners can naturally control insects on their properties.
There are several mosquito and tick borne diseases and illnesses causing concern. Some of them, such as Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus, are more well known. But with an influx of insects from outside the US, there are now some lesser known diseases on the rise.
Lyme Disease
When it comes to ticks, Lyme Disease is often the most well-known. Lyme disease is transmitted by Blacklegged Ticks, or Deer Ticks, and it is usually identified by a telltale bullseye rash at the site of the tick bite. Lyme disease can cause a plethora of health problems, including fever, headache, fatigue, damage to the heart and nervous system and joint discomfort. If caught in time, Lyme can be treated with an antibiotic. However, these tiny ticks are often overlooked until it’s too late.
Powassan Virus
Just like Lyme Disease, Powassan is spread by Deer Ticks. While it’s not as common as Lyme, it is a far more deadly virus. Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, according to the CDC. By contrast, it takes 24 hours for a tick to infect a person or pet with Lyme Disease. That's precious little time to see the tick and remove it before becoming infected.The CDC also explains that Powassan causes encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, it kills about 10% of people who become sick, and about half of people are left with permanent neurological problems.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The Lone Star Tick has been on the rise in the Northeast, and its bite can lead to a very unusual condition called Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an incurable meat allergy. A recent article in Newsweek explains that the tick picks up a molecule from farm animals and transmits it to humans through its bite. In most cases, the disease is not deadly and can be managed with a change in diet. However, severe reactions to meat can cause an anaphylactic shock and require a shot of epinephrine.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease that has symptoms of a fever, headache, and rash. If caught in time, it can be treated with an antibiotic, but it can be deadly if it is missed. RMSF is carried by a variety of tick species, and in the Pennsylvania area it is typically spread by dog ticks.
Zika
Zika is a virus spread by mosquitoes, and it often goes undetected. Many people experience very mild symptoms. However, the real cause for concern is that Zika can be very dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies. It causes a variety of birth defects and can even lead to miscarriage. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or cure for Zika, so the protection is to avoid mosquito bites altogether.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is yet another illness with no cure or vaccine, and, like Zika, it can go undetected with just mild symptoms. However, according to the CDC, “About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness”, and the elderly and those with compromised immune systems in particular need to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Insects on the Rise
There are a lot of reasons why there is an increase in insect-transmitted diseases and illnesses.
1. Warming climate trends lead to longer insect seasons, which increases the overall population of these bugs.
2. People are traveling more! With increased travel, throughout the United States and abroad, comes new viruses and diseases being carried to places they weren’t normally seen before.
3. Animals and shipping materials transported from one country to another often spreads these insects.
4. The ability for the local and state health departments to respond is still catching up with the drastic increase. “The US is not fully prepared,” the CDC explains. “More proven and publicly accepted mosquito and tick control methods are needed to prevent and control these diseases.”
Protection from Mosquito and Tick borne Illnesses
Giroud has pulled together the 10 Best Tips for Natural Mosquito and Tick Control
1. Wear light and neutral colored clothing: Mosquitoes are attracted to things that mimic nature like the colors in flowers, foliage or animals. Go for white, khaki or beige.
2. Go Natural: Avoid perfumes or any products that contain fragrances.
3. Keep Cool: Sweat and carbon dioxide from breathing are mosquito beacons. A fire also puts off carbon dioxide. Limit candles to citronella and hold off on the fire pits and bonfires until fall.
4. Cover up: When going out near water or woods, wear lightweight clothes with long sleeves, long pants and socks. Mosquitoes are most attracted to areas where the skin is thinner and the blood vessels are closer to the surface such as the ears, wrists, and ankles. When walking through high grasses or underbrush, tuck pants into socks.
5. Use Repellents: Of course, DEET is the go to chemical repellent, but there are natural alternatives. Often sold in health food stores, non-toxic, botanical repellents should be reapplied about every thirty minutes to remain effective. Repellents containing soybean oil protect for about ninety minutes—comparable to DEET.
How to Naturally Control Mosquitoes and Ticks in the Yard
6. Treat the Hot Spots and Perimeter of the Yard: Work with companies who offer Natural and Organic control options. Giroud’s Organic Mosquito and Tick Control treatments kill the pests on contact and then repel for up to three weeks. Made from essential oils including peppermint and cedar, this natural pest control is safe for children, pets, and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
7. Remove or Empty Objects that Collect Water: Mosquitoes need water for two stages of the life cycle. Keep rain gutters clear and unclogged. Remove old tires, buckets, plastic covers, or any other container. Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted plant trays at least once a week. Drain temporary pools of water or fill with dirt. "Consider purchasing a battery-operated water motion machine or a water baffler machine for your pond," suggests Giroud Plant Health Care Manager, Rodney Stahl. "These water agitators will keep water in motion and deter mosquitoes from breeding"
8. Prune or Remove Overgrown Vegetation: Mosquitoes and ticks are shade lovers. Clean up and trim back overgrown areas. Prune tree branches and shrubs around the lawn edge to let in more sunlight.
9. Use yellow light bulbs in outdoor fixtures. Bugs are less attracted to yellow lights.
10. Plant mosquito-repelling plants. Insects are deterred by plants such as scented geraniums, lemon thyme, marigold, tansy, citrosa plants, sweet basil and sassafras.
If bitten, reach for these natural home remedies:
• Watch for Danger Signs: Do daily checks from head to toe after time outdoors. Watch for symptoms like fever, joint pain, and rash.
• Yellow onion contains sulfur compounds that relieve bug bite itches. Slice one in half and rub the cut side on the bite. Refrigerate leftovers and make a fresh slice before reapplying.
• Vinegar helps all kinds of bites. Tape a soaked cotton ball over the bite
• Tea tree oil is great for stings. Remove the stinger and gently apply it on the entry point.
• Baking soda works, too. Mix it with water to form a paste. Remove the stinger, apply the paste, and cover until the pain is gone.
About Giroud Tree and Lawn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. Giroud has also been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.
Cindy Giroud, Giroud Tree & Lawn, http://www.giroudtree.com, +1 (215) 682-7704, [email protected]
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