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Connecticut Sees a Rise in Tick Population

7209178370_b3f882c319_o_dAs the spring and summer are right around the corner, scientists are saying more ticks in Connecticut are testing positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Connecticut’s Agricultural Experiment Station has been testing ticks for Lyme Disease since 1990. Over the last 25 years the state has gathered a lot of information about deer ticks, which transmit the Lyme disease to humans through bites.

Dr. Gourdarz Molaei is a research scientist with the state who directs the CAES program. His office has examined nearly 12,000 deer ticks over the last five years and on average scientists found about 27 percent of ticks tested positive for the Lyme-disease bacterium. According to Moleai, “However, this year, we are early in the season, and we have found that nearly 34 percent of these ticks are infected with Lyme disease.”

Lyme_Disease_Risk_MapOne obvious explanation for the increase is the growth in deer populations. Changing weather and temperatures are also being considered — although Molaei said drawing any correlation there is beyond the scope of his office.

In 2015, the tick testing program was expanded to include two additional emerging tick-associated pathogens: Babesia microti, the causative agent of babesiosis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, for which 11.0% and 4.9% of ticks tested positive, respectively.

“Tick testing results in 2015 indicate that greater than 40% of ticks in Connecticut are infected with at least one pathogen capable of causing debilitating human illness, and that tick infection with Babesia microti, which causes a serious malaria-like disease in humans, is also increasing throughout the state,” said Dr. Goudarz Molaei.

What Can Evergreen Arborists Do to Keep Your Yard Safe From Ticks?

Our first measure of tick control is the use of preventative measures. We examine what you can to do limit the amount of ticks in your yard, including reducing brushy material, where ticks thrive. We also control tick populations through the limited use of organic pesticides.

We don’t lock you in to an expensive maintenance plan that involves chemicals that might potentially be hazardous to your family and pets. Instead, we take a more cautious approach and work with you to find a plan that best meets the needs of your family.