Is your Massachusetts backyard an unsuspecting playground for blood-sucking intruders? Unfortunately, ticks are rampant this year for a good reason. A combination of environmental causes and human activity has yielded an uptick in tick sightings and Lyme disease cases. As a result, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your family from tick bites. Let’s explore the primary reasons behind the abundance of ticks likely to cause a sharp rise in Lyme disease cases in 2023.

When is tick season in Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, ticks are around nearly all year long. The peak of tick season in Massachusetts is from June to August when the weather is warmest. However, ticks are out of dormancy throughout most of the year. Residents of Massachusetts might even see tick activity begin as early as March and go late into the fall season ending in November. However, ticks are especially bad this year because the time that ticks leave dormancy is getting earlier and earlier. There are a few reasons why ticks are becoming more active earlier in the spring.

New England experienced a mild winter.

One of the primary reasons ticks are so bad this year is that New England had an exceptionally mild winter. January reached an average of 37.8℉, making it one of the warmest Januarys in Massachusetts history. With limited snowfall and freezing temperatures, the tick population was encouraged to leave dormancy earlier than expected. In addition, Massachusetts and other New England states also experienced early snowmelt. While ticks can be active during warm winter days, an early snow melt further encourages ticks to leave their dens and lay eggs.

The increase in outdoor activities without protection promotes tick activity.

Another reason we see Lyme disease cases rise in Massachusetts is the natural increase of people playing sports, taking hikes, and returning to their groundskeeping habits. Of course, who wants to stay indoors when the balmy summer weather has finally arrived? Nevertheless, New England sees an increase in tick bites as people make their way outside without the proper precautionary measures. When people travel in tick-infested areas, the insects will jump to their new host and come home with them.

How to protect your pets and loved ones during tick season 2023

Ticks will be around well into fall, so prepare by taking essential precautions. Consider these four preventative measures against ticks to reduce Lyme disease cases:

• Wear long layers to go outside. Shielding your skin from contacting nearby ticks is an easy way to prevent pest bites. Long sleeves, close-toed shoes, and jeans protect your family from picking up wandering pests from grassy areas and places with thick foliage.
• Thoroughly scan family members and pets after outdoor activities. A complete body scan can save you from contracting Lyme disease. First, move your hand over your body, being mindful of warm areas such as the underarms and between the toes. Then, use your fingers to scan across your scalp and behind your ears for ticks.
• Apply tick prevention to pets. Vet-approved tick prevention can also prevent ticks from transmitting Lyme disease to your furry family members. Dogs and cats can both benefit from preventative collars or a topical treatment. There are several methods to choose from, so consult your vet about which options might be best for your pet.
• Invest in MA tick control services. Monthly tick control applications can do wonders for shielding your home and lawn from Massachusetts ticks. Natural preventative methods are an excellent option because they use family-safe oils to repel pests naturally. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors anxiety and pest-free.

Block Lyme disease from your home with professional pest control.

MissionGreen is committed to protecting New England homeowners from tick bites and Lyme disease with all-natural tick control. So if you’re ready to stop parasitic ticks in their tracks, we’re here to help. Please email us at getgreen@missiongreenservices.com or contact us here to shield your loved ones from tick-borne illnesses with effective pest control today.