Mosquito Squad of the North Shore Explores the Enormity of Lyme Disease in Massachusetts

The enormity of fighting Lyme disease is immense. A recent article published by the Lyme Disease Association concluded that the CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention), indicated that Lyme disease reports have surpassed the number of HIV reported cases. The National Institutes of Health recently funded a study that showed the impact of Lyme disease on our health is at least equal to the disability caused to those who suffer from congestive heart failure. It is difficult to fathom that a tiny tick, in some cases no larger than a mustard seed and barely visible to the naked eye can wreak this much havoc on our health.

Lyme disease is getting a great deal of attention, with talk-show host Dr. Phil even delivering this powerful message. On a recent airing of the Dr. Phil Show  which focused on the effects of Chronic Lyme disease (CLD), one of Dr. Phil’s producers and some of his guests discussed the difficulties in not only the disease itself, but also some of the reasons preventing people from receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment. Some people with Lyme disease remain sick for months and even years and have difficulty getting proper diagnosis and treatment for the disease.

In lieu of all the recent reports it is justifiable for Massachusetts residents to be concerned. Last year our state ranked fourth in the nation for reported Lyme disease cases, only coming in behind Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. We also rank 4th in per capita cases of the disease. Data shows a case in 61 cases per 100,000. It is so prevalent in our area we all know someone who has been affected by the disease. The Lyme disease association is also partnering with  S.L.A.M. (Sturbridge Lyme Awareness of Massachusetts), and has an awareness billboard in Massachusetts to help raise awareness.

Reported incidents of Lyme disease in Massachusetts have increased dramatically over 15 years. In 1995, there were 189 reported cases in the state; in 2009, there were more than 4,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This information is cause for concern and sends a call to action for residents in the North Shore. Since there is no cure for Lyme disease, the best measures we can take to keep from contracting the disease is taking control of our property and tick-proofing our backyards.

A good way to take control of your property is to keep high grasses cut and mowed and debris picked up as well as frequent checks of areas on your property that appeal to ticks such as rocks and fence lines. Another proactive way to keep your risk of coming into contact with a tick carrying Lyme disease is to have your property treated by a tick control professional . Mosquito Squad of the North Shore implements the use of tick tubes as well as a barrier treatment for maximum protection. Tick tubes are placed around your property during the Spring and Fall to stop the progression of nymph ticks and can reduce your chances of coming into contact with a tick by up to 90%. During the months in-between the use of tick tubes, we recommend using barrier sprays to kill adult ticks.

Mosquito Squad of the North Shore is aiding in the prevention of Lyme disease in our area by combining the use of tick tubes and barrier sprays. We are currently offering the tick tube program at a reduced rate for our seasonal mist customers. This is helping raise awareness in our community of the importance of exercising tick control and prevention to stop the spread of Lyme disease. Contact us today to keep you and your family safe and healthy this season.