Photos: Alexandra Blair Photography
We love Spring for so many reasons, but as the warmer weather comes out, we also start thinking about ticks and Lyme disease. The good news is that there are easy steps you can take to prevent Lyme disease. One we do is treat our lawns. The experts at Mosquito Squad offers two services to minimize ticks in your yard (and on your family!)—an all-natural spray, which kills ticks on contact, and tick tubes. This latter treatment is an additional option which entices mice to collect and deliver a tick controlling insecticide where ticks live. In addition, keeping your lawn cut short and free of debris like leaves can also help. We love Mosquito Squad’s commitment to exceptional customer service—if you have any issues, they’ll work to fix the problem, including free retreatments if ticks are spotted.
To protect your lawn and family from ticks, go to mosquitosquad.com to request your free quote. Be sure to mention code LOCALMOMS in the comments section for $75 off a season of protection from the pros at Mosquito Squad!
For more great tips, see the suggestions below from Eugene Shapiro, MD, a Yale Medicine pediatric infectious disease specialist (not affiliated with Mosquito Squad):
6 Tips for Protecting Your Family From Lyme Disease
Know that Timing Matters
Even if your child brings home a tick, Lyme disease infection isn’t instant or definite (because some ticks carry Lyme and some don’t). “Lyme disease is acquired from the bite of an infected deer tick that has been attached for 36-48 hours or longer,” says Dr. Shapiro. Minimizing the chance of a bite by removing a tick ASAP is crucial. On that note…
Wear Light Colored Clothing
You’ll be able to spot and remove a tick faster if you can spot it (and they’re very small!). “Wear long sleeved shirts and pants if possible and tuck pants into socks,” suggested Dr. Shapiro.
Use the Right Spray
“Permethrin (which kills ticks on contact) can be applied to clothing and insect repellent (with at least 30% DEET or with Picardin) can be applied periodically to exposed skin (but not hands and face, especially of children),” says Dr. Shapiro. Be extra careful with spraying kids in windy conditions or in a stroller, to keep it out of their eyes.
The Local Moms Network Founder Layla Lisiewski and a Mosquito Squad team member
Do a Thorough Tick Check
As soon as you come in from being outside, try your best to get your kids into their bath or shower. “Do a total body tick check and remove any ticks that are found,” says Dr. Shapiro.
If Bitten, Consult a Doctor
“If a tick is found that has been attached for 36 hours or longer and it is identified as a deer tick, consult a physician about the possibility of taking a single prophylactic dose of doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease,” says Dr. Shapiro.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Ticks can be brought into a home on pets, so use tick repellent collars on cats and dogs and don’t allow them to sleep on beds of children. Some vets also recommend newer pills that can last longer—ask yours about the best option for your animal and family. In these tick-heavy months, be sure to bathe and inspect your pets regularly.
To protect your lawn and family from ticks, go to mosquitosquad.com to request your free quote. Be sure to mention code LOCALMOMS in the comments section for $75 off a season of protection from the pros at Mosquito Squad!
This story is sponsored by Mosquito Squad.
Note: Yale Medicine and Dr. Shapiro are not affiliated with Mosquito Squad.
