It's that time of year. Yet again, the tick species are being their pesky selves. The small pests are attacking with much vengeance this year. Humans, dogs, and wildlife are all being infested by an increase of the tick and black fly population. You may have wondered if Mother Nature was causing the up rise in their empires. The answer is as simple as 'yes.' The ticks and black flies have received the majority of their help from Mother Nature and have little plans to back down in the near future.
The increase in the tick and black fly population began to erupt when everyone in the Valley was thinking snow. The winter of 2001 and 2002 has been marked as the warmest December through March period on record. An unparalleled string of record warmth occurred during the time frame as the winter months averaged nearly 9 degrees above normal. There was no steady amount of snow cover, even though the snowfall accumulation was somewhat of normal stature. Due to this, the tick and black fly population was able to flourish. The winter months have long faded into history, but the in climate period of weather continues to have substantial impact on North Conway.
You may ask yourself, how is it that the mild winter has translated into an up rise in the tick and black fly population? One reason is that the air never had a chance to freeze for a lengthy period of time. The much-needed winter freeze, which usually lasts over four months, barely lasted one month. During this one month, the air continually thawed. The population of the ticks and black flies never had a chance to subside. There was always an early jumpstart to their population.
The mild winter of 2001 and 2002 turned into an early spring. Spring is an ideal period of time for ticks and black flies. The air and soil temperatures are mild, but not too cold and not too hot. The moisture content in the air is also ideal for their livelihood. Therefore, the mild winter weather and the drawn out spring is partly to blame for their increased success. The abundant amount of ticks and black flies have contributed to an increased amount of bites, as well as cases of lime disease. Moose have dealt with the brunt of the pests, which has forced an increased amount to dwell in places that are unusual.
Old man winter's lasting effect is not witnessed from the comfort of a home, but though one small step into the wilderness of our area. The winter season of last was prime for those who did not enjoy typical winter months in North Conway. However, a price is now being paid for the warmth. There is nothing the residence of the Mount Washington Valley can do to put an end to the wrath of the tick and black fly. Methods of attack, such as checking yourself and your pets, as well as a spray, can help distract the pests from contributing harm to one's body.