Updates on Pest Threats in Our Area
A spotted lanternfly alert – help stop the spread!
Officials are again asking everyone to help in eliminating this highly invasive and destructive pest as it spreads further across our state. With the warmer weather, a large population of eggs will soon be hatching and begin their assault on our plants and trees. The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 species of plants, including half of Connecticut trees, weakening them to the point where they can no longer survive. As of now, there is no effective preventive course of action other than destroying their egg masses and killing any adults when spotted. Although not actually capable of flight, they hop from place to place, and are greatly assisted in their spread across the state by hitchhiking on our cars, trucks and trains. The State of Connecticut has posted informational signs, as shown below, at highway rest areas to raise awareness of this threat to help eliminate them and reduce the spread of their damage. More information and photos are available at the State of CT website.
A new threat from deer ticks – babesiosis
Following another mild winter, the deer tick population in our area is expected to be more active than usual, and state officials believe infections will arise earlier and be more numerous than in a typical year. In addition to the ongoing threat of contracting Lyme Disease from a deer tick bite, officials are now concerned about a malaria-like infection called babesiosis. This illness often has no or only mild flu-like symptoms, but can be very severe in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Most symptoms appear within 1-4 weeks after the bite, and there are effective treatments available once it is confirmed with a blood test. Gerbert & Sons offers a number of deer and tick deterrent strategies for your property, keeping the risk of these diseases at a minimum for your family and pets. Check out this link to the State of CT website for more information on babesiosis.
Call Gerbert and Sons at (203) 324-3817 to help keep your property protected from the threat of deer tick diseases.
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