Ticks play a unique role as parasites in the complex system of nature, depending on their hosts for both sustenance and reproduction. However, there can be serious health risks if these tiny arachnids get on people or pets.
Even though they can be uncomfortable, most tick encounters are not very concerning. Ticks are a threat, though, and you shouldn’t ignore them. They are recognized carriers of disease, especially zoonotic illnesses like Lyme disease. There is a very real possibility that an untreated tick bite will require medical attention. So when you spot a tick, definitely reach out to a trustworthy tick control company.
Ticks, like mites and spiders, are arachnids. Normally flat, their bodies expand significantly after a meal. Males and females both feed on animal and human blood, but only females consume enough blood to become engorged.
Not only are ticks a nuisance, but they also pose a health risk. A multitude of hazardous illnesses can be spread by them. Although ticks can carry other dangerous diseases, Lyme disease is the most common disease that ticks carry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 30,000 and 476,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme Disease annually, based on insurance records made public after 2018.
Here are some examples of tick species found in the US:
Rabbit Tick: The Rabbit Tick is found in forested areas such as coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. This tick is active from spring to summer. However, their numbers significantly decrease in the fall.
Brown Dog Tick: Brown dog ticks are present all year round. Since domestic dogs are their preferred hosts, they are primarily found in areas with dog populations. It rarely bites people, but when it does, it can spread the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
American Dog Tick: The American Dog Tick, like most ticks, likes to live in grassy, low-vegetation areas that are frequently visited by larger mammals and wooded areas. They are frequently observed near dogs and people in urban settings.
Blacklegged “Deer” Tick: The main tick species that transmits Lyme disease is the Eastern Blacklegged Tick. They can be found in forested, brushy areas where mammals like deer and mice live. Adult ticks prefer White-tailed Deer, but they will also feed on coyotes, humans, and other mammals.
Lone Star Tick: This tick is a three-host tick, meaning that each stage of their life has a different host. In each stage, they will feed on a diverse range of hosts, but they always feed on humans. They prefer dry forested areas with shrub undergrowth near rivers or streams where animals can rest.
Ticks can adapt to a variety of environments, but they prefer moist, humid conditions. They typically live nearby rather than on their host. They separate and look for another host once they have finished feeding, whether on pets, people, deer, birds, or livestock.
Although most ticks won’t infest a building or other structure, the brown dog tick can breed indoors. If this is the case, they can be found indoors, hiding in crevices and cracks, as well as in their hosts’ nests or burrows.
Ticks and fleas are common problems for dogs, but they are not harmless. These pests cause great discomfort, if not illness, to dogs by attaching themselves to their bodies and feeding on their blood. It may be a terrible experience for you and your animal companion.
Ticks and fleas also can spread a number of unpleasant diseases if they are not noticed. Watch out for symptoms that indicate your dog may have ticks.
It’s critical to remove the tick promptly and correctly. Tick removal tweezers should be used to carefully remove the tick, making sure to remove its head as well.
Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate if you’re not sure how to do this correctly. After that, you’ll be prepared for the next occasion.
If you find yourself in a situation where you might have come into contact with ticks, like hiking or camping, don’t panic. Disease transmission by ticks is a slow process. Look all over yourself for any ticks that might have clung to you and remove them right away.
Taking a shower is the easiest way to achieve this. Ticks that are detached will be removed by washing. Particularly focus on parts of the body that are hard to see, like the belly button, the groin, or the inside of the ears.
Tick bites are usually not harmful, but you still need to take extra precautions when keeping an eye out for them. You should be okay if the tick that bit you did not carry disease and you do not have a tick allergy. Regardless, you ought to arrange for a test to eliminate any possibility of Lyme disease.
When it comes to tick control, do-it-yourself solutions aren’t always the best bet. Ticks can be difficult to manage and even more difficult to detect.
However, if you want to take preventative measures, the first thing you can do is remove as many potential tick habitats as possible around your home or business to reduce the possibility of tick exposure.
Avoiding contact with soil, leaf litter, and vegetation is also your best defense in tick-infested areas if you are going to be spending time outside. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are planning for a hike, camp, etc.:
If ticks in your yard have become a regular problem, even with preventive measures, you may want to consider chemical treatment. Do not attempt this without first conducting research. It might be in your best interest to seek the advice of a professional.
When all else fails, hiring a pest control specialist is the best option when dealing with an infestation.
With the necessary qualifications to handle insects and other creatures, Titan Pest Control is a full-service pest control and extermination business.
Titan Pest Services specializes in commercial and residential pest control. Among our clients are single-family homes, apartment buildings with apartments above, five-star hotels, sports arenas, airports, restaurants, and other commercial spaces.
Our solid reputation is built on dependability, customer service, and trust. We adhere to the most stringent industry standards, expertly combining superior customer service with expert extermination methods.
If you need help keeping your home pest-free or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.