JP McHale Pest Management’s Lymeshield System has been installed at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye.
Ticks are not born with Lyme disease. They pick up the bacteria the first time they feed from mice and then pass it along to other animals and humans. The LymeShield product is designed to help break the cycle, as it contains food pellets for mice that include a vaccine against Lyme disease, so that the mice cannot spread the infection to ticks. The pellets are harmless to other animals, and no pesticides are used.
Said Westchester County Executive George Latimer: “Edith G. Read Sanctuary is a Westchester County Park gem, nestled along Long Island Sound, (that) offers tranquility to visitors. The nuisance of ticks can hinder a visit to the sanctuary, and with the installment of the LymeShield System, I’m hopeful that guests will be able to enjoy this county jewel a little more.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor added: “Our Conservation Division is at the forefront of industry trends and the installation of the LymeShield System is another example of our staff’s forward-thinking skills that help keep our parks’ environment healthy.”
The LymeShield System has been installed at the boardwalk, behind the bird-feeding station near the visitor center, in the meadow near the chimney and at the bamboo forest. Still, park-goers are encouraged to take regular precautions, said Westchester County Environmental Health Deputy Commissioner, Christopher Ericson:
“Ticks don’t jump or fly. They stay low to the ground and grab onto people, pets and wildlife that brush up against them. That’s why it is best to walk in the center of trails, take preventive measures to keep ticks away from your skin and always do a tick check of your body when you are finished with outdoor activities.”
