As the days cool down, it’s easy to assume ticks have called it quits. They haven’t. Ticks stay active well into fall, especially in leaf piles, tall grass, along fence lines, in brushy areas, and around woodpiles.
Ticks are arachnids, related to spiders. Unlike spiders, which help by eating flies and mosquitoes, ticks are external parasites that feed on blood. That feeding can make them more than a nuisance. Some ticks can pass along illnesses to people and pets.
Why Ticks Stick Around in Fall
Cooler temperatures don’t bother most ticks. What they want is moisture and shade. Fallen leaves, dense shrubs, uncut grass, cluttered woodpiles, and damp lawns create the perfect shelter. Wildlife like mice, squirrels, and deer often carry ticks right into backyards, and pets can bring them inside.
The Health Risks
Ticks can carry germs that cause illness. Lyme disease is the best known. It can start with fever, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes a circular rash near the bite. Without treatment, it can affect joints, the nervous system, and the heart. Other tickborne illnesses can also cause serious symptoms. If you notice unusual symptoms after a bite, talk to a healthcare provider.
How to Protect Yourself
Dress for it.
Wear long pants and long sleeves when you hike, rake leaves, or do yard work. Tuck pants into socks. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
Use repellents.
Apply an approved insect repellent with DEET, on exposed skin and clothing.
Do a tick check.
Shower after being outside and check your whole body, especially behind knees, under arms, around the waist, and along the hairline. Check pets and gear too.
Tidy the yard.
Keep grass short. Remove brush and leaf piles. Store firewood neatly and away from the house. Improve drainage so the lawn doesn’t stay damp.
If You Find a Tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure. Clean the area. Save the tick in a sealed bag or small container in case symptoms show up later. If you develop a fever, rash, or feel unwell after a bite, contact a healthcare provider.
Professional pest control can also help reduce tick activity around your home, especially if you live near woods or fields.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
