Protect against Lyme Disease — deer-proof or tick-proof your property.

Among the many joys of living in this area is the country charm of wooded properties teeming with wildlife, yet located within minutes of schools, dining and shopping. Whether homeowners in the suburbs live in backcountry, midcountry or on the Sound, they and their families can simply walk outdoors to enjoy an abundance of nature. Even as more homes continue to be built, the population of such animals as deer is increasing. Deer, however, can be both a pleasure and a nuisance to area residents.

Two major factors are prompting more and more homeowners to make their properties “deer-resistant”: the damage that deer can wreak on beautiful landscaping and the threat that their parasites, deer ticks, pose to the health of children, adults and even pets. These ticks, which initially are infected and carried by mice, also can be brought onto the property by other animals that are small enough to get through fencing.

According to landscape and garden experts, nothing can completely deer-proof or tick-proof a property. However, steps can be taken to reduce the destruction that deer cause and to diminish the risk of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme Disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis — insidious diseases that strike a growing number of area residents each year.

The Greenwich Lyme Disease Task Force, Inc., a volunteer organization that supports Lyme Disease education and research and promotes awareness programs through schools, the Greenwich Health Dept., Greenwich Hospital and the media, warns: “Children are at greatest risk for acquiring Lyme Disease as they play outdoors in areas frequented by the animals and ticks which are responsible for the spread of Lyme Disease…Many who are infected remain undiagnosed for the illness. Current diagnostic tests for Lyme Disease are unreliable…At this time, only prevention, early and accurate diagnosis, and proper medical treatment can minimize the harmful effects of Lyme Disease.”

In its publication entitled “Lyme Disease: The Facts, The Challenge,” the National Institutes of Health describes the disease this way: “Lyme Disease may be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms mimic those of other disorders. In addition, the only distinctive hallmark unique to Lyme Disease—the erythema migrans rash—is absent in at least one-fourth of the people who become infected…Although a tick bite is an important clue for diagnosis, many patients cannot recall having been bitten recently by a tick. This is not surprising because the tick is tiny, and a tick bite is usually painless.

“Early symptoms of Lyme Disease may include a rash, muscle and joint aches, headache, or fever. Symptoms consistent with disseminated Lyme infection (Lyme Disease not treated in its earliest stage) could include fatigue, multiple rash-like lesions, facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), meningitis, numbness, tingling, burning, and brief episodes of joint pain and swelling. Chronic or late infection has been known to cause arthritis (intermittent or constant), and encephalopathy (mild to moderate confusion or cognitive impairment). Less common symptoms of chronic Lyme Disease are heart abnormalities, eye and vision problems, chronic skin disorders, and encephalomyelitis (limb weakness or lack of motor coordination).”

It is clear that Lyme Disease is not an illness to take lightly. Lyme Disease diagnosis is difficult at best, so prevention is the wisest course at this time. Since deer can carry literally hundreds of female ticks on their ears, thus transporting them and, ultimately, their eggs onto your property, experts recommend that property owners install deer-resistant fencing, plant shrubbery that are less attractive to deer such as boxwood, andromeda and inkberry, and spray the perimeter of the property with an insecticide on a seasonal basis.

The greater challenge is to ward off smaller animals and rodents that carry the ticks. Among the favorite hiding places of rodents are woodpiles, stone walls and the edges of the property.

It is known that ticks do not like the hot sun; therefore, effective tick prevention tactics include cutting weeds, mowing fields and thinning out trees in heavily shaded areas. Pay special attention to eliminating brush and weeds from play areas.

To protect children from Lyme Disease, the best methods are to dress them in light-colored clothing (to make it easier to spot ticks) and to check them (and pets) carefully several times a day. Use a white cotton cloth (a washcloth will do) and gently rub it over the child or pet to remove any crawling ticks that might be lurking. Be sure to check under the child’s arms and in the groin area, two spots that attract ticks because of their dark, moist warmth, and don’t forget to check ears and hair.

For more information on how to protect your property, Contact Connecticut or New York Tick Control at 1-888-649-8425.

Connecticut and New York Tick Control was created to exclusively service the need to control and combat the increasing levels of tick-borne diseases. Through education and responsible spray programs, their goal is to achieve safe, effective and informative tick control programs by outlining the risks and recommending strategies.

Members of The American Lyme Disease Foundation, Lyme Disease Association, Lyme Disease Foundation, National Pest Management Association, CT pest Control Association, Experiment Station Association.