As we finally move along through this spring, lawns all across Cleveland and Columbus are starting to grow. As we struggle to keep up with mowing from all this rain, dandelions aren't the only things lurking in the tall grass blades. Black legged ticks (more commonly referred to as deer ticks in Ohio) are popping up everywhere and causing potential health hazard in our own back yards. In today's blog, we'll take a look at why ticks are so bad this spring, the dangers of being bit, and how to protect yourself against them, and what to do if you get bit.

Why Are Ticks Bad This Year?

Okay, so you may be saying to yourself that this seems like another TV news report where they're trying to scare Ohio residents with impending doom. However, the experts have all agreed that due to the heavy snowfall this past winter, deer ticks were insulated from the extreme winter chills, causing many of them to live through the winter months. Why this may not seem like a big deal, combine those ticks with the addition of new ticks, and you have a mess.

Lyme Disease

Ticks can cause some nasty skin irritations when biting their prey, however the main problem is the spread of lyme and other disease. According to the US Center for Disease Control, Lyme disease can cause serious problems in people's joints, heart, and nervous system. According to the CDC, typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. 

How To Protect You & Your Family

There are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets from tick bites and lyme disease. 

      In The Yard

• Keep your lawn mowed under 4". Ticks like to hang out in thick, tall grass just looking for someone, or thing to jump onto.
• Keep leaves and debris clear. Ticks like to hang out in this debris, as it makes for a lovely home.
• Apply Tick/Flea Preventer. It's always best to hire a professional company to apply a tick/flea prevention spray to your lawn. Weed Pro offers this service for both Cleveland and Columbus area residents.

      Ways to Protect Your Family

• Wear long pants when playing or walking through your yard. 
• Apply insect preventer whenever playing or working in the lawn.

      Ways to Protect Your Pets

• Apply flea and tick preventer monthly. This helps prevent ticks from feeding on your buddy.
• Groom and comb your pet regularly. Removing ticks and fleas from their hair will stop them from bringing them into your home.

What To Do If You're Bit

Ticks attach themselves to your skin with their razor-sharp teeth and will feed until removed manually. Old tall-tales suggest that you "burn" ticks off, or apply chemicals such as rubbing alcohol to get them to remove themselves. However, the CDC recommends that you use fine tipped tweezers, and place them at the base of your skin where the tick is making contact, then pulling up. It's important that you then treat the area by cleaning it and applying antibiotic cream. If swelling persists, it's always best to see your physician immediately. 

Weed Pro's Flea & Tick Spray

Weed Pro can help prevent ticks from invading your lawn with our Surface Insect Flea & Tick Spray. Using all four (4) applications throughout the season  will guarantee that your lawn will be free all year from turf damaging insects and nuisance pests that can endanger your family and pets. Protecting yourself with sprays and repellent is one way to help, but also applying a barrier in your lawn where your children and pets play can help to dramatically decrease your chances of being bitten. Learn more about this product by clicking below!