Tick Control in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County

Tick control should be a priority at home, as many people mistakenly believe that ticks are only a concern in deep forests or areas with dense vegetation. However, research indicates that about 70% of Lyme disease transmissions occur from tick bites right in one's own backyard. When dealing with ticks on your property, it's crucial to enlist the help of a professional tick exterminator promptly.

Cowleys Pest Services offers comprehensive tick control services throughout various areas in New Jersey, including Edison, Lakewood, Somerset, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Asbury Park, Fair Haven, Perth Amboy, and more.

Ticks begin their life cycle as larvae, feeding on small mammals like white-footed mice and meadow voles. They then store infected blood from these hosts and progress into their nymph stage. During this nymph stage, ticks inhabit vegetation as low as 4-6 inches, commonly found in residential yards. This period is particularly concerning because nymph ticks are incredibly tiny, about the size of a poppy seed, yet they can still carry potentially infected blood, leading to tick-borne illnesses that may be challenging to diagnose and treat. Additionally, these nymph ticks often bite and detach from their host without the individual even realizing they were bitten. Prompt action by a professional tick exterminator is essential to mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases in your home and yard.

Two Strategies for NJ Tick Control

To effectively control ticks and minimize the risk of tick bites for your family and pets, homeowners should adopt two essential strategies, as both are necessary for comprehensive protection.

The first strategy involves outdoor habitat modification to make your property less attractive to ticks. This includes discouraging potential tick-carrying rodents and other hosts from entering your property, as well as creating an environment unsuitable for tick survival. Regular lawn mowing, trimming overhanging shrubs, limiting birdfeeders to winter months, and removing leaf litter and plant debris are crucial steps in this process.

The second strategy involves the prudent use of low environmental impact tick treatments. In areas where ticks are abundant, targeted treatments are necessary to reduce tick populations effectively. Professional pest control firms can strategically time and apply treatments to areas where ticks breed and quest, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.

However, it's important to note that no tick control method is 100% effective. Personal protection should always be practiced, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, tuck pant legs into socks, and use repellents containing DEET. Regularly inspect yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors.

Deer ticks, in particular, are tiny and difficult to detect. They are about the size of a sesame seed and are prevalent in areas like Bridgewater, Brick, Toms River, Old Bridge, Middletown, Princeton Junction, and Piscataway. Thoroughly checking for ticks after outdoor activities is crucial, as about 25 to 50 percent of deer ticks in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, and Middlesex County are infected with Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. By implementing these strategies and remaining vigilant, you can effectively reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases on your property.

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