Ticks are infamous pests that are known for the diseases that they carry. The most well-known of these is Lyme disease, which can have devastating lifelong symptoms. When ticks are frequently found on pets or children after playing outside, you should consider an extermination and ongoing control plan to treat the problem.
The Dangers of Ticks
Ticks are members of the arachnid family, which means they are in the same family as spiders. These creatures are famous for their tiny size which is barely larger than the head of a pin, and their feeding on the blood of a host. Ticks rely completely on blood as a food source so they can grow and reproduce. They also feed on a large variety of animals whether in the wild or in your front living yard. This includes humans, too.
Here are few identifying characteristics of ticks that you can look for:
- Small round and flat body
- 8 legs
- Cannot jump
- Anchored to the skin of the host
- Can be found in extreme hot or cold temperatures
If you find one on yourself or a family pet, be sure to take appropriate steps to remove it safely and minimize the chance of infection.
Ticks Spread Disease
The risks associated with ticks and their feeding habits include the transmission and carrying of disease. Lyme disease is the most well-known tick-carried illness. There are still several other diseases ticks might transmit to humans and animals. These can include:
- Rocky mountain spotted fever
- Colorado tick fever
- Some forms of Typhus
- Tick paralysis
If you are bitten by a tick, you must remove it while making certain that no part of it is left in your skin and wash the wound with antibacterial soap and water. You should try to pay attention to any signs of infection and go to a doctor if you become sick.
Where Ticks Live
Ticks are mostly found outdoors on fallen trees, in stacks of firewood, in high grass, and even at your favorite beach. There are some ticks that are known to thrive indoors. One such species is the brown dog tick, and it can live both in and outdoors.
Here are some popular locations to be exposed to ticks:
Outdoors – a simple trip to the pet store or playtime at a dog park could mean ticks will get an opportunity to feast on you or your pet.
Wild animals– Your home can have ticks brought in by mice, squirrels and other rodents that live nearby or around your foundation and roof.
Gardens and flower beds – these are beautiful spots that bring you lots of enjoyment and attracts other animals that might be carrying ticks with them.
Tick prevention
The first line of defense against many pests, including ticks, is to take preventative steps before they become a problem. There are several things you can do to prevent ticks, but hiring a professional exterminator company would be your best option. A few steps you can take on your own would include doing some of the following:
- Remove overgrown and unnecessary vegetation around your home and yard.
- Try using DEET as it is effective against ticks and mosquitos
- Wear clothing that is light-colored so you can see ticks easily.
- Don’t expose your skin to areas that harbor ticks. Cover up with long shirts and pants when going in those places.
Call Your Local Tick Specialists
My Private Exterminator is a pest control service that can exterminate your tick infestation. If you or your family are having problems with ticks, call us as soon as possible. Ticks breed quickly so calling as soon as possible is essential to treatment. We will have over 15 years working with families just like yours to provide solutions to tick infestations and other pest control issues. Give us a call today at (347) 305-8524 or schedule an appointment here today.