Unfortunately, with an early spring predicted in 2016, Lyme disease season in Ontario is also expected to come early this year. Lyme disease is a serious condition that affects many people in North America.

Mild temperatures and damp conditions are considered ideal conditions for ticks, so residents of Ontario should be aware of how to protect themselves. If you encounter ticks on or near your property in Etobicoke, Richmond Hill or across the Greater Toronto Area, contact ICE Pest Control and Wildlife Removal. We provide effective tick and flea removal services for properties of all sizes.

What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease

Understand the basics of Lyme disease to protect yourself and your family this year:
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria known as Borrelia burgodorferi. In Ontario, it is spread through the bite of a blacklegged tick, also referred to as deer ticks.
Where are Ticks Found in Ontario?
In Ontario, ticks are most commonly found in rural areas, particularly in forests and parks. They are common along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
What are the Symptoms?
People exhibit different symptoms after contracting Lyme disease. Some may show symptoms anywhere from three days to a month after being infected, but most will exhibit symptoms one or two weeks afterwards. Fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and skin rash are signs you may have been infected. Some patients experience a red bull’s eye skin rash. If you experience any or a combination of the above symptoms, seek medical attention quickly and note the geographic area where you may have been infected. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health complications that may persist for years.
How is it Treated?
In some cases, antibiotics may be administered to reduce symptoms. It is important to get treatment as early as possible. If left to progress, complications involving the heart, nervous system and joints can develop and cause life-long complications.
How do I Protect Myself from Tick Bites and Lyme Disease?
Especially when going to rural or forested areas, dress appropriately. Choose light coloured clothing to make ticks easy to spot, and wear long sleeves and pants to reduce the likelihood that they will attach. Wear socks and closed toe shoes, and tuck your pants into your socks to limit exposed skin. If the area is known to have ticks, use bug repellant with DEET. Protect your pets by putting on a tick and flea collar. You can also hire pest control experts in Richmond Hill to help you take care of any problems on your property.

Call for Pest Control in Etobicoke or Richmond Hill

If you encounter ticks, don’t undermine the risk of you, your family or pets contracting Lyme disease. When you notice ticks or signs of another pest or rodent infestation in or near your home this spring, call ICE Pest Control and Wildlife Removal. We provide fast and friendly pest control services across Etobicoke, Richmond Hill and Toronto. Don’t risk contracting an illness or be complacent with an ineffective removal job. Call the professionals who have experience dealing with ticks, insects, rodents, and other pest problems.
Contact us today online or at 1-888-439-8376 to learn more about ticks or to schedule your pest removal appointment.