There are quite a few species of ticks that never feed on people, but in Wisconsin, the two most common ticks that do are the dog (wood) tick and the deer tick.
The wood tick is a minor concern when it comes to disease, but the deer tick can transmit several serious diseases including Lyme Disease and, more recently, Anaplasmosis, which can start with symptoms like fever and nausea and in some cases, progress to organ failure.
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF TICKS
The Upper Midwest and the northeastern states are effected the most by Lyme disease and the numbers in Wisconsin and Minnesota are on the rise. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin had 3,105 estimated cases in 2018 alone.
Once considered to be a north woods hazard, deer ticks are now found in every county of the state. Deer are an important blood source for adult ticks, and in 2018 over-winter deer densities in the state varied from three to over 60 per square mile. The vast woodlands throughout much of central and southwestern Wisconsin creates a perfect habitat for deer.
HOW WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR TICK INFESTATION
Madsen Pest Management applies a perimeter barrier treatment to the yard and foliage of the yard. This treatment not only kills ticks on contact but leaves a residual in place that will continue to kill new ticks for up to one month.
PREVENT FURTHER TICK INFESTATIONS
- Clear tall grass, brush, and leaf litter from the yard or trails
- Use wood chips or gravel as a barrier between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment (CDC recommends a 3-foot wide barrier to prevent ticks from entering recreational areas)
- Mow lawns often and remove cut grass and leaves
- Keep tables, swing sets, play equipment, etc., away from woods, shrubs, and tall grass
- Do not feed deer and set barriers to lessen deer intrusion
- Remove woodpiles, or stack wood neatly in dry areas away from houses to lower the number of rodents in the area (Rodents can bring ticks into the yard and can also spread disease to the ticks)
