Spencer Pest Services will be operating under the Rocket Pest Control brand going forward. You're still in the right place to schedule pest control services!

May Is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

There are few pest-borne diseases that can compare to Lyme disease. If misdiagnosed, and not treated early, it can lead to lifelong medical complications including chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, joint and muscle aches, neural illness, and heart disease complications. Symptoms are so great, Lyme disease in its latter stages is often mistaken for serious illnesses like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and more. That is why it is essential to educate people on this mysterious illness.

Facts About Lyme Disease

  • Lyme disease is spread primarily through contact with ticks. While the blacklegged tick (deer tick) is the primary vector, studies indicate that other ticks may spread it as well. Until conclusive evidence is presented, it is best to avoid any tick bite.
  • There is a new study that presents evidence that Lyme disease may be spread through sexual transmission.
  • Lyme disease starts as a tick-borne infection caused by a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi. This is a corkscrew-shaped bacteria that incubates into Lyme disease in 3 to 30 days.
  • 80% of people who are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi develop the bulls-eye rash that is associated with Lyme disease. That means 20% do not. It is possible to get Lyme disease without ever having this reaction.
  • A tick must be attached for 24 to 48 hours in order to transmit this Lyme disease-causing bacteria. If caught early, the tick can be removed without issues. Be sure to use a tick removal tool, and avoid squeezing the body of the tick.
  • Squeezing the body can cause more Borrelia burgdorferi to enter the bite wound.
  • Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. Deer ticks are not born with it. They contract Borrelia burgdorferi from mammals.
  • It is important to watch for early symptoms of Lyme disease: fever, pains, aches, fatigue, and sickness of the stomach.
  • When caught early, Lyme disease is treatable. If you suspect that you’ve been bitten by a tick, or you have ticks on your property, make sure your doctor knows.
  • Ticks in your yard can be reduced through tick control measures.
  • Pets can bring ticks in from your yard. Be sure to use veterinarian-prescribed products to protect your pets and your home.
  • Pets can contract Lyme disease.
  • Pets are not the only furry animal that can bring ticks into your home. Rodents are linked to tick, flea, mite, and lice infestations. If you’re seeing mouse dropping in the back of your silverware drawer, you should call a pest control technician for a detailed inspection.

For help with ticks and other household pests, contact Spencer Pest Services for immediate assistance. Pest control isn’t just for reducing nuisance pests; it is vital protection that every family should have.

 
Prev
Next