Ticks are a common problem in New Jersey, especially during the spring and summer months. These tiny arachnids can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to identify ticks found in NJ and take measures to prevent tick bites using all-natural treatments. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Ticks Found in NJ

1. Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick): This tick is the most prevalent in New Jersey and can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Adult ticks are blackish-brown and about the size of a sesame seed. Females have a reddish-orange abdomen while males have a dark-colored abdomen.

1. American Dog Tick: This tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia and is commonly found in grassy areas. Adult ticks are brownish and about the size of a pea, with distinct white markings on their back.

1. Lone Star Tick: This tick is less common than the black-legged and American dog tick in New Jersey. They can transmit Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Heartland virus. The female tick has a white spot on its back.

1. Brown Dog Tick: This tick is usually found on dogs and can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Babesiosis. They are typically found indoors and have a reddish-brown color. Adult ticks are about the size of a watermelon seed.

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Prevention and Control

Here are some all-natural prevention and control measures you can take to prevent tick bites:

1. Use Essential Oils: You can use essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood as a natural tick repellent. Dilute the essential oils with water and spray on your skin and clothing before going outside.
2. Keep Your Yard Clean: Mow your lawn regularly, remove leaf litter and brush, and keep your yard free of clutter. This will help reduce tick habitat.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: When spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
4. Use Tick Tubes: Tick tubes are cardboard tubes filled with essential oil treated cotton that mice take back to their nests. The treated cotton kills ticks before they can bite humans or pets.
5. Hire a Professional Tick Control Service: Bite Back Tick and Mosquito Control is an all-natural spray service in New Jersey that offers tick control services. Their services include perimeter sprays and vegetation treatments that help control the tick population on your property.

Conclusion

Ticks can be dangerous, but by taking all-natural prevention and control measures, you can reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Identifying the common ticks found in NJ is the first step in protecting yourself and your family. Using natural tick repellents, keeping your yard clean, wearing protective clothing, and using tick tubes can help prevent tick bites. Hiring a professional tick control service like Bite Back Tick and Mosquito Control can provide you with additional protection and peace of mind.