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Community Corner

Tick Season is in Full Swing Horizon Pest Control advises vigilance against ticks this fall

Midland Park, New Jersey – October 17, 2013– After one of the heaviest tick seasons on record last year, Horizon Pest Control, a pest management company servicing New Jersey for 43 years, advises anyone spending time outdoors to take precautions against tick bites and the spread of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 

“Whether hiking in the woods this fall to enjoy the  peak leaf season, raking or simply taking the dog for a walk through the park, it’s crucial for people to take steps to protect themselves from ticks when outside,” said Bernard Holst Jr., at Horizon Pest Control. “Once indoors, personal inspection is important because immature ticks are extremely small and hard to spot and hide easily on pets.” Experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), recommend the following tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by a tick:

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1.     Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded areas or tall grasses. Choose light colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks and other insects.

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2.     Wear a bug spray containing at least 20 percent DEET, picaridin or IR3535 when outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.

3.     When hiking, stay in the center of trails, away from vegetation.

4.     Keep grass cut low and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris, which can attract ticks and other pests.

5.     Be on the lookout for signs of tick bites, such as a telltale red bull's eye rash around a bite.

6.     Learn the symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, and consult with your doctor immediately if you believe you have contracted it.

7.     If you find a tick in your home or suspect you have ticks on your property, contact Horizon Pest Control for an inspection. They will recommend a course of action to combat the pest.

 

Common symptoms include fever and chills, aches and pains, and rash. See your doctor immediately if you believe you may have been bitten. If a tick is found, remove it with a slow, steady pull. Then, wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly with soap and water. Ticks should be flushed down a toilet or wrapped in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle. For more information or to schedule a free inspection of your home or yard for pests, please call 1-888-612-2847 or visit www.horizonpestcontrol.com

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