Ticks

These past few years, ticks have become much more common in this part of the country, and that means there’s an increased risk of contracting Lyme Disease.

This terrible illness is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Early signs of Lyme infection include a red, bullseye shaped rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, it can lead to severe headaches, facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), heart disorders (palpitations, abnormal heartbeat, various neurological disorders, arthritis, and in extreme cases it can even cause death as a result of infection in the heart.

In Ottawa in particular it has gotten so bad that Ottawa Public Health has stopped testing ticks, and advises that anyone who has been bitten should immediately start an antibiotic regimen so that they can ward off a potential infection.

This all sounds very scary, but we can help.

We recommend two treatments (one in the spring/early summer, one later in the summer/early fall) for maximum protection.

How You Can Help

Ultimately, having your property treated is the best way to prevent ticks from making their way into your yard, but taking the following steps–when combined with treatment–will help give you that extra level of protection

• Mowing your lawn
• Creating barriers between your lawn and wooded areas
• Neatly stacking any woodpiles you have on your property