It’s time to talk about ticks
Ants, roaches, and unwanted rodents all have their downsides. But outside of mosquitoes, few pests have scarier statistics than ticks.
Here are a few, collected by the Professional Pest Management Association.
• Tickborne diseases can be transmitted into a person’s bloodstream in as little as 36-48 hours after the initial bite.
• From 2010 to 2018, the CDC estimates that approximately 476,000 people were diagnosed with and treated for Lyme disease each year in the U.S., which amounts to over 4.2 million total estimated cases during that timeframe.
• Recent research has concluded that tickborne Lyme disease has been detected in all 50 U.S. states.
• In a recent survey among over 800 U.S. homeowners, commissioned by the NPMA and conducted online by The Harris Poll, 58% of Americans reported they have either seen a tick before or have had to remove one from themselves, someone else or a pet.
Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA, stated: “As we head into warmer months where tick populations are particularly prevalent, we encourage all pest control companies to join the cause to help educate consumers on the dangers associated with ticks and the steps they can take to ensure their property is properly protects to help safeguard themselves and their loved ones from tick-related health threats.”
The NPMA is helping to raise awareness of tick dangers and the need for tick prevention through the creation of new consumer campaign through TickTalk.org, which kicked off during the first ever Tick Awareness Week May 10-16 (officially recognized by Chase’s calendar of Events). The effort includes tips, maps videos and other preventative tools.
Not all ticks, cause Lyme Disease. But why take a chance? For retailers, growing tick-awareness creates a sales opportunity, especially – but not exclusively -- in rural areas. Products that address the problem come in a variety of forms. See photos above.