You Don’t Have To Be Afraid Of Ticks

Lyme disease hasn’t really been around for very long, if you consider that some diseases date back to the dawn of time; but since its discovery in Lyme, Connecticut, in the early 1970s, this disease is definitely making a name for itself. Early onset of Lyme disease can produce a rash and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. If untreated or misdiagnosed, it can lead to lifelong illness and life-threatening complications. In worst cases, it can cause erythema migraines, joint pain, neurological problems, and complicate heart disease. For some, this is enough reason to stay inside and never go out, but you don’t have to fear ticks. We have some information that will ease your mind.

5 Reasons to Not Worry About Catching Lyme Disease

  1. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. This horrible disease is directly linked to deer ticks, also referred to as blacklegged ticks. If you find a large tick on you that has white dots in the middle of its back, that is a Lonestar tick. These are the most common tick in Georgia. If you find a tiny tick on you, that may be a deer tick.
  2. Not all people get sick if they catch Lyme disease. We’re not going to put out any figures because experts don’t know exactly what the chances are that the Lyme disease-causing bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi has of producing Lyme disease. All we can say is that not everyone develops the disease when they get the bacterium.
  3. Lyme disease can be treated if properly diagnosed. In the early stage of Lyme disease, it can be treated with antibiotics.
  4. It takes 24 – 48 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease to you. So, if you always check yourself and your children when you come in from being outside, you can catch ticks before they are able to spread this illness to you.
  5. There are precautions you can take to prevent tick bites. If you use an insect repellent with DEET or Permethrin on your skin or clothing, you can deter tick bites. You should also be careful to avoid walking in tall grass and through bushes; refrain from sitting in the grass if it has not been treated to protect against ticks, and get routine tick treatments for your backyard. Our backyards are where we spend most of our time outside. This is a prime place to pick up ticks.

If you live in Georgia and need tick services for your yard, Active Pest Control can help. We are a QualityPro certified pest management company with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can trust our team of educated professionals to help protect your family and your pets from the dangers of tick-related diseases.

Insect Bites in Rome, Georgia

There are a lot of things that can bite your kids in Rome. As a parent, it is important to know how to recognize signs of something serious and how to treat bites, so that your kids–and you–can get back out to play. This is by no means a comprehensive article on the topic of insect bites. Our focus is to cover the three types of bugs that will bite you most and give you some tips on how to lessen the impact these bugs can have on a beautiful summer day.

Stinging Insects

Here are some things you and your kids need to know if you get stung by anything.

· Most bites are benign, but if you or your child has an allergy, things can go from irritating to dangerous, fast. If they have trouble breathing, issues swallowing, wheezing, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately. Severe allergic reactions can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

· Stay calm. Frantic movement can cause the insect to sting again.

· Move away from the insect that stung you. Many stinging insects have the ability to swarm.

· Get the stinger out as soon as you can. When bees sting, they leave their stinger and venom pouch on the wound. The venom pouch will continue to pump venom for over a minute. Scratch it off; don’t pinch. Pinching can cause the rest of the venom to deploy.

· After the initial scratch, stop scratching. Scratching a bite can cause infection.

· Elevating a limb and applying an ice pack for at least 15-20 minutes each hour will reduce swelling.

Tick Bites

There are a whole ton of diseases that can be spread by tick bite but, by far, the worst is Lyme disease. Contrary to what you may have heard, Lyme disease can be found in Georgia and should never be ruled out when dealing with a tick bite. Here are the three things you need to know most about ticks.

· Lyme disease does not always leave a recognizable bullseye rash on the skin. This can throw some doctors off.

· Lyme disease takes 24 to 48 hours to transfer from the tick.

· If you or one of your children get bitten by a tick, it is important to catch the tick and bring it in with you to the doctor. Lyme disease can cause extended medical complications. Knowing if Lyme disease is a factor will lead to quicker treatment.

Mosquito Bites

With increased travel and more deadly viruses getting into the United States from other countries, it is becoming more important to protect ourselves. But, if you get bitten, here are some things to remember.

· Avoid scratching the bites. This will only make the itching worse.

· You can alleviate the itching of a mosquito bite by using 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for dosage and usage for all first aid products.

· An ice pack can help to relieve itching.

· If you develop flu-like symptoms after being bitten by mosquitoes, consider consulting a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

For protection from stinging insects, ticks, and mosquitoes on your property in Rome, Georgia, give us a call at Active Pest Control. Fewer biting insects in your backyard mean fewer bites. And that is always the best way to go.

Lyme Disease In Gwinnett, Georgia

Think there is no Lyme disease in Georgia? You may want to think again after you read this story of a Gwinnett, Georgia resident and her ordeal with this mysterious disease.

“If someone tells you Lyme disease doesn’t exist in Georgia, don’t believe them,” says Karen Huppertz, a Gwinnett, Georgia resident whose daughter battled the mysterious disease for years. It began with vertigo and swollen knees. She complained of headaches, low-grade fevers and abdominal pain that was oddly specific. All of these warning signs of Lyme disease, but her daughter never reported the signature bullseye rash most Lyme disease patients get around the bite mark.

Karen brought her daughter to one specialist after the next, hoping for a diagnosis that would lead them to a cure. But after blood work, CT scans, MRIs, lumbar puncturing and a number of other uncomfortable procedures, where her teenage daughter was poked and prodded, they were no closer to a solution than when they first began.

Headaches and fevers progressed into more serious neurological symptoms. Problems like numbness in her arms and legs, blurred vision, insomnia, and short-term memory loss. Though her daughter had aspirations to press forward and continue with college, everything had to come to a grinding halt. She had even begun asking about getting a wheelchair.

While doctors began to consider multiple sclerosis, Karen scoured the internet for answers, and came across the controversial disease known as Lyme disease. Not controversial because scientists or doctors questioned its existence, but that they didn’t believe it existed in the South. They had finally found the answer they were looking for. Now, after two years of treatment, Karen’s daughter is symptom-free. Now, she continues to spread the word about Lyme disease in Georgia.

Dr. Andrew Pugliese, a specialist who treats patients in Gwinnett and North Fulton says, “Lyme disease is very prevalent in Georgia, but highly under diagnosed.”

Help Karen and others spread the word about Lyme disease in Georgia. No one should ever have to watch their child suffer for 8 years with an illness that could be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Hopefully, Karen and her daughter’s ordeal is over, but the threat in Georgia still remains. Protect your home and your family from deer tick diseases by wearing proper clothing when you walk in the woods or in tall grass, and by getting a tick treatment for your yard from the professionals here at Active Pest Control. Let our family help to protect yours from ticks, mosquitoes and other pests with one our residential pest control programs. Don’t delay, contact us today!

Is Lyme Disease Really A Big Deal?

You’ve probably heard many times that you need to watch out for ticks because you’ll get Lyme disease. Is this really true? If so, how bad is it to get Lyme disease? Are my limbs going to fall off? Let’s take a look at the hysteria and controversy surrounding Lyme disease, and examine some practical ways you can protect yourself and your family.

The truth about Lyme disease.

First of all, not everyone who gets bitten by a tick develops Lyme disease. Though many ticks carry the harmful bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease, they are not guaranteed to have it. So, if you find a tick on you, don’t panic.

Another misconception is that everyone who gets Lyme disease gets the chronic kind that can last for years–and even a lifetime. The truth is, each of us reacts to this bacteria in a different way. For some, there is no visible reaction. Others may experience a round bullseye rash, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. But after three weeks of antibiotics, all symptoms go away.

There is, however, a percentage of people who experience stronger symptoms that can last for years, and even a lifetime. This is usually in people who do not receive antibiotic treatments. In fact, 60% of people not treated develop recurring attacks of arthritis. And, on average 15% of people not treated develop chronic arthritis. Lyme disease can also lead to neurological problems which manifest as numbness in the hands and feet, shooting pains, and short-term memory loss.

Who is at risk of Lyme disease?

  • People who spend a lot of time in high grass risk greater exposure to ticks.
  • People who hike in wooded areas.
  • Children and young adults are more likely to get Lyme disease.

Prevention

  • If you find a tick on you, use a tick removal kit, tweezers or pliers to get the entire tick out. It takes 24-48 hours for a Lyme disease producing amount of Borrelia burgdorferi to enter the body. Catching ticks early can prevent this disease.
  • Keeping the grass cut in your yard will reduce tick populations.
  • Regular tick treatments from a pest professional can fully eliminate ticks.
  • Wear insect repellent when traveling in the woods or tall grass. Put your pants inside your socks. Wear light clothing so ticks can be easily seen. And, wear a hat.

So, is Lyme disease a big deal? It can be, for some. But of all the tips mentioned here, it is important to note that you’re going to be mostly safe if you simply check for ticks and remove them early. There is no need for hysteria–well, not yet anyway. But it is a good idea to stay vigilant. It is also a good idea to protect what you can protect. Keep your yard safe and be cautious when visiting friends and family. If you do this, you should be fine.

Contact us for more information on ticks in Georgia and Active Pest Control‘ pest control services for ticks.