Lyme Disease and the Deer Tick
Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the U.S. and unfortunately Maine is right on the frontline. The things that make Maine great, like the vast forests and variety of wildlife, also make it a perfect breeding ground for deer ticks and Lyme Disease. The mice, chipmunks, deer, and other native animals act as hosts for deer ticks and are transporting them around your property. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to protect the area you spend the majority of your time. TAKE BACK YOUR BACKYARD.
Cases of Lyme Disease in 2017
Lyme disease is concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest with 14 states accounting for 96% of the cases in the U.S. The state with the highest rate of Lyme per capita is Maine with now more than double the rate of Connecticut, where Lyme Disease originated. And as you can see from the map, southern Maine is the most active area of the state.
Know Your Enemy
Ticks don't fly, they don't jump, and they rarely crawl onto you. They "quest" by getting on the end of a blade of grass or twig and waiting patiently for a host to walk by. They have their front legs in the air and latch on to anything that makes contact. This knowledge should give you a better understanding of tick-prone areas and when it is necessary to perform extra tick checks.