Hence, the hiring of a professionally-trained applicator should be considered if you choose chemical control. If you decide to apply pesticides yourself, follow the label instructions and do not use near any stream or body of water. Two applications, one in May to control nymphs and one in September to control adult ticks, should significantly reduce the tick population. The most indicative sign is an expanding red ring around the area of the tick bite. A bulls-eye rash will continue to expand if untreated.
Symptoms appear within a few days and disappear within a few weeks.
More serious secondary symptoms begin within one to six months. Late symptoms' effects include meningitis, facial palsies, nervous system disorders, heart abnormalities and pain in leg joints. These may occur over many years. A Homeowner 's Guide to the Ecology and Environmental Management of Lyme Disease,American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc., Somers, New York. Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast.