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herbs like thyme, basil, oregano and rosemary are great for deer-resistance. Applying deer repellents Deer repellents are affordable and easy to use; however, homeowners are often left frustrated after using them because of the maintenance required to keep them efficacious. Deer repellents are made from granular or liquid formu- las to keep away deer; and while sprin- kling the re- pellents on the grass is simple enough, they become less effective after heavy rains and extreme heat exposure. This leads homeowners to re-ap- ply repellents every 15-30 days. Where do ticks come from? Lyme Disease is a global epidem- ic that originated in Europe before the Ice Age. In a 2008 study, University of Bath researchers in the UK dis- covered that the Lyme Disease bac- terium, Borrelia burgdorferi, erupted in Europe and emerged in the United States in the 1970s due to woodland restoration, leading to the introduction of ticks. The disease got its name after sev- eral tick cases were confirmed in Old Lyme, Conn., a remaining prime spot for tick sightings. Today, Lyme Dis- ease, the most widespread tick-borne disease, affects over 300,000 individ- uals each year in the United States and close to 2,000 indi- viduals in Canada, among oth- er parts of the world. The progressive disease also impacts pets, harming over 318,000 dogs in 2018 and 4,500 in Canada. While many are quick to point the finger at white-tailed deer for the spread of ticks, the rise of ticks did not begin with Bambi and friends. Long-term research shows that the White-footed Mouse serves as a reservoir for the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. While some an- imals, such as opossums and chickens, are quick to kill ticks or wipe them off their fur, the wild mouse will leave as many as 50 to 100 ticks attached to their ears and face. Research suggests that mice spread ticks to birds that flew to dif- ferent regions and passed on ticks with diseases to deer and other wildlife. Most common tick species There are over 900 tick species in the world – 90 in the United States and 40 in Canada. The Eastern Black- legged Tick, or "Deer Tick," is just one type of tick that carries the Lyme Disease bacterium and is the most recognizable tick species across North America, known for its orangish bod- ied exterior and black head. Another type of tick that remains a concern to people is the American Dog Tick. While this tick does not carry Lyme Dis- ease, it is very aggressive to both people and pets and carries Rocky M o u n t a i n Spotted Fever (RMSF). The CDC says 2017 saw a record number of cases reported, to- taling 6,248 compared to 4,269 the previous year – but the numbers are only worsening as more states are be- ing added to the list with infected tick occurrences. In 2018, the CDC declared Ten- nessee to be a top state where RMSF is most common, as well as North Car- olina, Missouri, Arkansas and Okla- homa. The latest tick to make head- lines is the Lone Star Tick, known for spreading sudden red meat allergies among people as well as rashes, mus- cle pains, fever, headaches and other symptoms like Lyme. Where are ticks found? While ticks are alert at tem- peratures above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), they are most active in the warm months of the year, beginning in March, when they have a chance to find a host. To live, they attach onto warm-blooded mammals including wildlife, people and pets for their main food source. In the spring and summer months, ticks are found in wooded and grassy areas including gardens, hiking trails, dog parks and playgrounds. DeerBusters has been leading the fencing industry for over 30 years with DIY garden fence in plastic and met- al fence materials for homes, farms, forests, colleges, orchards, vineyards, and gardens. For more information or to order, visit Deerbusters.com or call 888- 639-0486. Rid deer from lawns to prevent tick disease continued from page 9 Adding steel garden gates or driveway gates to a property is the easiest way to enter the garden or yard by foot or car. Available in heights and widths to accommodate any lawn and garden specification. The Deer Tick or Eastern Black-legged Tick. w w w. d a c i n d u s t r i e s . c o m 8 0 0 . 8 8 8 . 9 7 6 8 Quality products for the fence industry since 1985. Providing the best gate hardware solution, every time.