Unfortunately during this time of social distancing and issues due to the pandemic Covid-19, life is anything but normal. Summit has been designated as an “Essential Business” due to our manufacture and distribution of products that impact the public health sector such as mosquito, tick, and other pest control. We have taken every action possible to promote the safety of our employees by enhancing operating protocols in compliance with public health requirements, recommendations and guidelines. We hope and pray that this situation ends sooner rather than later and that you stay healthy and safe.
As if this isn’t bad enough, with many of us spending more time outdoors, many public health and insect control experts are predicting the spring and summer of 2020 to be one of the worst on record for ticks and their disease-carrying bites.
Ticks are best known for transmitting Lyme Disease, which can cause fatigue, fever, chills, headaches and aches in muscles and joints. If left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause arthritis, severe joint pain and other more serious medical conditions.
The Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), estimate that over 300,000 people will contract Lyme Disease this year. It is transmitted by the bites of infected Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks) which are widespread throughout the Eastern US — particularly in the Northeast and the Upper Midwest.
But Lyme Disease isn’t the only disease spread by ticks. There are a number of other diseases all spread by the bites of different ticks. Although not as well known or as prevalent as Lyme Disease, these can be as serious or worse.
Preventing Tick Borne Disease
- Dress Appropriately
Wear light color clothing to easier see ticks, tuck pant legs into socks and tuck shirt into pants.
- Conduct Frequent Tick Checks
Check for ticks right after all outdoor activities on yourself, your children, and your pets.
- Use EPA registered Tick Repellents
The CDC and EPA recommend using EPA registered insect repellents, which have been evaluated by the EPA for effectiveness. Be careful selecting repellents that are not EPA registered. Those repellents are not required to provide proof of effectiveness and may provide minimal protection.
- Treat your outdoor areas with an acaricide.
Not all yard treatments are the same. Pick a product that offers superior results in the elimination of ticks, such as Summit Tick & Flea Spray, a proven acaricide (specially formulated to kill ticks).
Reduce the Number of Ticks in Your Yard
In backyards and acreage property where people live and work, prevention is the key to keeping tick populations down. Ticks thrive in high-humidity areas in a landscape, and they are less likely to be present in sunny and dry areas. Ticks can’t fly or jump, but “quest”, often climbing to the tips of tall grasses, weeds, and shrubs to wait for an unsuspecting animal or human (host) to come by, where it quickly climbs aboard.
To keep ticks away from houses, clear brush and tall grass, and remove leaf litter where ticks can hide. A barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and landscaped yards will make it more difficult for ticks to migrate into yards. Try to locate swing sets and playground areas away from wooded areas.
Deer can bring ticks into a yard, so protect vegetable gardens with a deer-proof fence. If possible, remove other plants that attract deer. Instead, plant deer-resistant shrubs and other plants.
Apply Summit Tick & Flea Spray to Kill Ticks
Summit® Tick & Flea Spray is specially formulated for superior tick control. In the northeast, a single application in late May or early June can dramatically reduce tick populations. Applications again in Summer and early Fall are also recommended. (Check with your local health officials about the best time to apply in your area).
Spray Summit® Tick & Flea Spray around the perimeter of lawn areas, under porches, and in grassy or bushy areas near the house. Ivy and shrubbery up to a height of 2-3 feet should also be sprayed.
Ticks are attracted to dogs, so spray the areas in the yard where dogs travel or spend time. Kennels and dog houses should also be thoroughly treated.
If you want to know more about Tick control for your home or property, email info@summitchemical.com or call
