Why Consider All Natural Bug Repellants against Ticks July 15 2022

If you have been to Maine, then you know that this is the home of the largest population of moose. However, recently, almost 90% of the calves were wiped out this past winter during their first year. This is because of the small yet terrible culprit that thrives in the warmer parts of Maine, the winter ticks.

Winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus), also known as moose ticks, are one of the smallest ticks in the world that feed on the blood of their hosts and can drop off their hosts at a pretty slim size. This devastating wipeout happened because of the winter ticks' ability to thrive through the shifting climate, from cold to warming climate.

But not only do winter ticks thrive during the warmer climate. In fact ticks such as black-legged ticks or deer ticks also thrive in the same conditions all throughout the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States.

Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are ticks that can potentially carry and spread the Powassan virus to humans. They are the same ticks responsible for infecting people with Lyme disease. Ticks are usually infected with the virus when they feed on squirrels, groundhogs, mice, and other rodents with viral-infected blood.

Powassan virus (POW) is a tick-borne flavivirus that is known to be endemic to North America. When humans and animals are bitten by infected ticks, the Powassan virus spreads in the body. People who are usually infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, however, about 50% of them can experience sporadic cases of meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and in some cases, non-neuroinvasive infections. And about 10% of the cases are fatal.

Technically, humans are not highly infected with the virus. However, even though there are a few human cases reported, the infection rate has been increasing during the 21st century. This is why there are a number of studies to understand the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunity, and molecular evolution of POWV. 

With all these in mind, prevention of the spread of the disease is important through proper preventative measures such as deer tick control, use of repellents, and other protective measures from exposure to ticks.

Why Consider All Natural Bug Repellents

There are a lot of pest control products on the market. However, some products may pose a danger to you, your family, and your pets. In fact, some products contain traces of chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

Insect repellents with DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a chemical known to be one of the best insect repellents currently available to the public. The chemical, however, has been associated with adverse health effects such as sweating, dizziness, and headaches. There’s also an effect in the central nervous system that causes seizures to occur.

There are many alternatives that are natural bug repellents available in the market. You just need to make sure that you choose the right repellent that will best fit your needs.

Neem is a natural pesticide that is a great non-toxic option for controlling pests. This pesticide is also known to be effective on fleas and cockroaches. The plant is native to Asia and Africa. It has been traditionally used as an insecticide against pests, termites, mites, aphids, ticks, and other small insects. 

Natural insect repellents that contain oils like citronella, cedar, and lemon eucalyptus are good for minimal exposure to insects. Some all-natural repellants also contain natural pyrethrin’s extracted from chrysanthemum flowers and are effective against bugs such as fleas, lice, mosquitos, gnats, biting flies, and ticks.

 Conclusion

With the proper protective measures and the use of natural repellents, you can be sure that you are avoiding ticks and other insect pests that might carry tick-borne diseases such as the Powassan virus. In this way, you are keeping ticks and other insects away while keeping you, your family, and your pets safe.

Carpé Insectae offers DEET-free all-natural insect repellent that effectively repels ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, gnats, fleas and other biting insects. This repellant contains natural yet potent ingredients that are safe to use for the whole family. Let us protect you, your loved ones and your pets against insects this summer! Browse through our products today!