
What To Do When The Ticks Bite In Baltimore
12/30/2020
Despite the prevalence of Lyme disease in the Baltimore area, the fact is that there are a lot of different types of ticks and they spread many mor...
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Every May, we observe Lyme disease awareness month; thirty-one days dedicated to educating the general public about the effects of this common disease. Here you will find information on Lyme disease and chronic Lyme disease, in addition to preventative measures you can take to avoid disease-carrying ticks.
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of diseased black-legged ticks. Most people who have contracted Lyme disease experience flu-like symptoms, such as:
Fatigue
Headache
Fever
Joint pain
It is also common to develop a rash at the infection site, that looks a bit like a bulls-eye. However, this rash is not necessarily a sign of Lyme disease. In fact, about 25% of people who contract Lyme disease will show no signs of a rash at all. The rash itself is typically not itchy or painful, and will appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the initial bite occurs. Most people who contract this illness will recover completely, so long as they seek help from a medical professional. Lyme disease is usually treated with prescribed antibiotics, over the course of 14 to 21 days.
Lyme disease can worsen if the initial symptoms are ignored, and go untreated. Patients may develop chronic Lyme disease (CLD), which is also known as post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD). A wide range of symptoms may occur, including:
Additional "bulls-eye" rashes outside of the infection site
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness and shortness of breath
Muscle, joint, tendon, nerve, and bone pain
Severe headaches
Short-term memory loss
Droop on one/ both sides of the face (facial palsy)
Arthritis
Inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
It is estimated that anywhere from 10% to 35% of people develop chronic Lyme disease after contracting Lyme disease. People living with CLD are said to have a worse quality of life than people with other chronic diseases, including those with asthma, depression, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.
Treatment for CLD is usually focused on reducing the pain and discomfort caused by symptoms. Most patients will fully recover, but it may take months, or even years, before symptoms disappear completely. A very small number of people will never fully recover. It is still unknown as to why this happens.
In order to prevent yourself from contracting Lyme disease, you must protect yourself from ticks. Ticks thrive in moist, humid environments, and are usually found in or around grassy or wooded areas. You should be cautious whenever you enjoy outdoor activities, especially those that take place in or near the woods or high grass. There are certain precautions to take in order to have stress-free fun in the sun, including:
Use the right insect repellent the right way (read more)
Treat clothes and shoes with permethrin, a repellent that lasts through several washes
Avoid high grass when hiking; walk in the center of trails
Thoroughly examine your skin and scalp for ticks after spending time outdoors
Check your pets for ticks
If you find a tick, remove it quickly and safely (learn more)
In 2015, 95% of all the cases of Lyme disease occurred within just 14 states: Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia included. If you have specific concerns about ticks around your home, be sure to check out our Mosquito & Tick Program. Our specially trained technicians are prepared to eradicate tick populations surrounding your property. They also provide preventative measures to ensure that not a single tick will bother you this spring and summer. Contact us today, and take back your yard.
12/30/2020
Despite the prevalence of Lyme disease in the Baltimore area, the fact is that there are a lot of different types of ticks and they spread many mor...
READ MORE >
10/20/2020
Thirty years ago, you didn’t hear much, if anything, about ticks. Kids went about their springs, summers, and falls dashing through the woods...
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08/10/2020
While much is still unknown about many of the illnesses ticks carry and transmit, we know enough to be mindful of their presence and to take action...
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05/04/2020
Hopefully, we all know at least a little bit about how the lack of pest control can contribute to the spread of disease. Probably the most famous e...
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