MOORESVILLE, N.C., April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Focus on flattening the curve and battling COVID-19 is, and should be, the utmost priority right now, however Kari Warberg Block, CEO/Founder of plant-based pest prevention brand, EarthKind®, warns that we mustn't forget about another, albeit smaller, health risk in sight – ticks, as she expects tick populations and migration patterns to boom once again this year.
"Spring is here, and while we should all be staying indoors right now, choosing to go outside for a walk, run or working in the yard or garden means that we have to be smart in more ways than one," she explains, "Ticks can be as small as a poppyseed, yet can transmit a number of serious diseases depending on their type and geographic location. Doctors are understandably hard to reach right now, making awareness, prevention, and protective measures even more crucial."
Following a spike in tick populations in 2019, Warberg Block expects 2020 to follow suit, informing that irregular climate patterns and urbanization greatly affect the expansion of ticks into new regions, the longevity of tick season, and the way diseases are spread. According to the CDC, the number of blacklegged ticks - the type responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis - has more than doubled in the past 20 years. The number of US counties now reportedly at high-risk for Lyme disease has risen by over 300% (CDC), and according to FAIR Health, the diagnosis of Lyme Disease rose 185% in rural areas between 2007 and 2016. Lyme disease rose by 40% in cities.
"No US state is immune to ticks. Ticks are active as long as it's above freezing weather, with peak season beginning now and lasting until October. Shorter winters and warmer weather mean ticks can reproduce and hang around for a much greater timespan than in the past. My greatest wish is that families are proactive in following tips and CDC guidelines when choosing a repellent."
Just announced as a winner of the 2020 National Parenting Product Awards, Warberg Block's newest product, Stay Away Mosquitoes insect repellent spray lotion, is made with CDC-recommended picaridin to protect against both ticks and mosquitoes, and any diseases they may transmit, for 14-hours. The unscented, skin-friendly, family-friendly repellent was developed from a need to create a repellent conducive for her own skin-sensitivities, and her family and friends that needed the best in protection but had issues with using DEET. Stay Away Mosquitoes is safe for use on pregnant women and children of all ages when used as directed and comes in both a full-bottle and travel-size spray.
"Not all repellents are created equal, so in choosing a repellent, be sure to understand if it will also protect against ticks and understand the nature of any active chemicals that are used in it," she advises.
To prevent ticks, Warberg Block suggests the biggest threat could be in your backyard. Whether it be gardening, kids playing outside or pets running around, maintaining a tidy outdoor space by regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, shrubs, and overgrown trees is one of the best ways to reduce your yard's tick population. Before going outdoors, dress in light colored clothing, pull long hair up, wear a hat and tuck pants into socks. Ticks typically start at your ankle and crawl until they find a warm spot in the body to embed in, usually around armpits and joint areas. Be sure to thoroughly check yourself, kids, and pets for ticks, especially in hard-to-see areas after coming indoors. Shower immediately and wash and dry clothing on high-heat settings.
"Our mission at EarthKind® is to provide naturally effective solutions that create a world of protection for our homes, families and environment," says Warberg Block, "During these uncertain times, more fear is the last thing anyone needs right now. By following these guidelines, we can keep it kind, safe, and smart, together."
Media interested in learning more about EarthKind® or interviewing CEO/Founder Kari Warberg Block, please contact Sara White at [email protected] or 212-693-2150.
About EarthKind®
Founded by leading pest prevention expert Kari Warberg Block, EarthKind® is a pioneer in natural prevention for families and households everywhere. EarthKind is a pest prevention brand that manufactures naturally powerful and effective pest solutions that keep pests away, without killing or poisoning them. All EarthKind® products are designed by inventive artists, scientists and engineers who care about the earth, made in the USA with 80% of the materials sourced from American farms and the company is providing handicapped individuals with meaningful employment. Kari was awarded the 2019 GMDC Retail Champions of Change award for her role as an inspirational industry retail leader, and was named to the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Woman Class of 2012, 2013 ND SBA Small Business Person of the Year and National Second Runner Up. Her latest product line, Stay Away® was the winner of the 2015 NEXTY People's Choice Award for Best New Product of the Year. Learn more at https://www.earthkind.com and on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthkindinc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/earthkind
Instagram: @earthkindinc
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/earthkindinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/earthkind2010
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SOURCE EarthKind
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