Pests on the Move

FAIRFAX, Va. (June 16, 2013) – In the past 20 years, the incidence of Lyme disease has nearly doubled across the United States. Part of this increase could be due to the movement of disease-carrying ticks to previously unaffected areas.

As host populations increase for parasitic insects and people continue to move into wooded areas, more insects are slowly moving across the country and bringing potential harm to communities unaware of their danger.

The Lone Star Tick, most commonly seen in southeastern and south-central US, is now appearing as far north as Maine and as far west as Nebraska. This species is more aggressive than others and is known to carry several diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Also, the Africanized ‘killer’ bee, found mostly in the southwest, was recently found for the first time in Tennessee. They can be especially dangerous because Africanized bees cannot be distinguished from common European bees by sight alone.

The best way to avoid harm from new or normal insects in your area is to be aware of prevention and safety tips when spending time outdoors.