Your 2019 Tick Season Update

As we get closer and closer to summer in Wisconsin, outdoor activities are a must. Whether you are hiking or playing frisbee in your backyard, fewer layers and more visible skin come with a risk of tick exposure. Before you really dive into the outdoor lifestyle for the next few months, let’s take a look at expectations for this tick season. 

What’s the Outlook?

The tick population in the Midwest is expected to be above average this year. While temperatures in the Midwest have been average so far, the wetter conditions we’ve experienced are projected to increase the tick population. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reports that every county in Wisconsin has ticks. Tick activity really begins in the early spring months and continues through early October. Wisconsin has a few different types of ticks, including the deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, and the brown dog tick. According to DHS, the average number of Lyme’s disease cases have doubled in the last decade, making Wisconsin one of the states with the highest risk of contracting Lyme’s disease.

How can you fight tick season? As long as you are cautious and prepare for ticks in your yard, you will cut down on your risk of Lyme’s disease from ticks.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Ticks in your Yard?

While it’s impossible to eliminate ticks altogether, there are some preventative lawn care steps you can take for ticks.

1. Mow the lawn frequently – Most people mow the lawn as part of their regular yard maintenance but keeping the grass shorter will help reduce ticks.
2. Clear leaf litter, tall grasses, and brush on your lawn and around the house – This is another common yard care practice that will go a long way.
3. Remove old yard furniture and debris like piles of wood. – Ticks like shady, moist areas. Keeping things clean will help eliminate these hiding places for ticks.
4. Be cautious of overwatering your lawn. Overwatered or poorly drained lawns can be an invitation for ticks. 
5. Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible and apply an insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.

Tick Yard Treatment

Many people think the heaviest population of ticks exist in the deep woods or rural nature. The truth is, you can just as easily encounter a tick problem in your own yard. The best way to control ticks in your yard is to have your property treated by a professional. Terminix Wil-Kil uses EPA registered products to eliminate ticks in your yard throughout the season.

Terminix Wil-Kil Mosquito/Tick Control FAQs

• How Long Does One Treatment Last? One treatment lasts for one month. You can opt for a monthly recurring service May-September (recommended), or a single service for a special event.
• Is Treatment Safe for My Pets and Family?
• Once the application has dried, our EPA registered formula is designed to only harm mosquitos and ticks, so your family and pets can live and play outdoors- worry free!
• How Do We Get Rid of Ticks?  Terminix Wil-Kil’s tick control methods require a firm understanding of the breeding and living habits of ticks. We use products registered with the EPA for pest control use and customer health and safety are our highest priorities. Trust our team of experts to restore the safety of your backyard.