Wickes Arborists™

Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease

Signs and Symptoms of Ticks: Deer ticks have a two-year cycle and can vary in size from very small (the nymph stage tick can crawl through a pin head!) to alarmingly large (an engorged tick can equal the circumference of a quarter!).  Ticks transfer Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis by attaching to a host and depositing bacterium into the host's bloodstream. The early symptoms of Lyme Disease can be mild and easily overlooked. About 50 percent of patients report a rash. This rash usually appears 3-30 days after the bite and may last for several weeks.

Lyme Disease is called "The Great Imitator" since the symptoms are varied and mimic many other illnesses. Symptoms may include sore throat, sleep difficulties, fever, joint stiffness, muscle stiffness, pain, fatigue, swollen glands, and dizziness. Even if left untreated, symptoms may go away. Weeks or months later, the symptom that brings most people to the doctor is arthritis. Bell's Palsy, the drooping of one side of the face, may also occur. If you develop any of these symptoms contact your doctor immediately.

Let Us Protect Your Family

Wickes Arborists™ offers a 4-step tick prevention and treatment program that is designed to work throughout the entire spring, summer, and fall seasons to extend the greatest tick-free coverage for your outdoor enjoyment. Last year alone we provided over 1000 protection treatments.

• Step #1:  TICK TREATMENT EARLY SPRING
  

Corresponds with the beginning activities of nymph-stage deer ticks.

• Step #2:  TICK TREATMENT LATE SPRING
  

Coincides with a rapid increase in nymph-stage activity. Most people get Lyme Disease from tiny nymph ticks since they are so hard to see.

• Step #3:  TICK TREATMENT SUMMER
  

This treatment is essential since outdoor activities and the tick population are at their seasonal peak. Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy your barbecuing, gardening, and mowing this summer?

• Step #4:  TICK TREATMENT FALL
  

Control during this period is important since nymph and adult ticks are most abundant. Adult ticks are active any time the temperature is over 35 degrees, even with snow on the ground.