Abell Pest Control Highlights Growing Tick Activity Across Canada, Stresses Importance of Lyme Disease Awareness
May 01 2024 - 10:47AM
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and Abell Pest Control wants
to remind everyone of the importance of understanding and
preventing this common tick-borne illness. As a company dedicated
to public health and safety, Abell is committed to increasing
knowledge about Lyme disease and encouraging individuals to protect
themselves against tick bites.
"Year after year, we're witnessing a concerning uptick in tick
inquiries here at Abell," shared Aaron Soudant, Director of Service
Excellence, Quality Assurance, Abell Pest Control. "Over the past 5
years, Abell has experienced a 500% increase in tick-related
inquiries – a clear signal that we all need to take extra
precautions, especially in parks and wooded areas, to protect
ourselves from ticks and reduce the threat of Lyme disease
transmission."
Climate change is having a significant impact on the spread of
tick populations in Canada, increasing the risk of infection in
previously unaffected regions. This is a cause for concern, as
cases of Lyme disease are on the rise.
With more ticks and tick bites occurring in Canada year after
year, better diagnosis of Lyme disease and research is the goal of
the G. Magnotta Foundation for Vector-Borne Diseases at the
University of Guelph. Abell's support for this research further
emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to address the
challenges posed by Lyme disease.
“The best prognosis for Lyme disease is achieved when it is
diagnosed and treated early, but many people don’t recall a tick
bite and may be unaware of their risk. Prevention is the best
strategy to avoid Lyme disease and its potentially serious
complications, including those affecting the heart and nervous
system, said ” Dr. Melanie Wills, Director, G. Magnotta Lyme
Disease Research Lab, University of Guelph.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease can appear within a few days or
up to a month after a bite from an infected tick. Symptoms may
include fever or chills, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue,
stiff neck, and swollen lymph nodes. In addition, 70 to 80 percent
of infected individuals experience an expanding red rash that often
looks like a bull’s-eye target. If left untreated, Lyme disease can
lead to more severe symptoms, including neurological issues such as
facial palsy, shooting pains, and inflammation of the brain and
spinal cord. Early detection and treatment are crucial to
preventing these complications and promoting full recovery.
Abell provides essential tips to safeguard against tick bites
and Lyme disease:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long pants and long sleeves when
venturing into areas where ticks may reside. Opt for light-colored
clothing to make ticks easier to spot and remove promptly.
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET to
exposed skin and clothing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
diligently to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Perform Regular Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, conduct
thorough tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets.
Ticks can latch onto clothing and skin, so be vigilant in searching
for them, especially in hidden areas like the scalp, behind the
ears, and underarms.
- Protect Your Pets: Consult your Veterinarian about effective
solutions to prevent ticks on your dogs and cats. Regular grooming
and tick prevention treatments can significantly reduce the risk of
tick-borne diseases in your furry companions.
By following these proactive measures, we can significantly
reduce the risk of tick bites and the associated health
complications.
The G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab brings together
leading scientists with the goal of combating Lyme and related
diseases. Abell Pest Control has established a scholarship in Lyme
Disease research. For more information on their work, or to donate,
visit: gmagnottafoundation.com.
Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality
services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast to
coast. Prouder yet, they are members of your community, ready to
service your home or business 24/7. Abell Pest Control prides
itself on providing innovative and technologically advanced
solutions for pest prevention and management on a national level.
They believe knowledge is strengthened through partnerships and
that giving back to the industries they serve by maintaining a
strong network of alliances them to serve customers better. Abell
is the recipient of the NSF-GFTC's Allied Trades Food Safety Award
and a member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and
Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA). In 2023, they were
recognized by Great Place to Work as a Best Workplace™ for Women
and one of the Best Workplaces in Canada 2023. You can find out
more about them at: www.Abellpestcontrol.com and follow them on
social media for pest control tips on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram.
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Eliana Pasquariello
Abell Pest Control
epasquariello@abellgroup.com