Tick season is just around the corner, and it is important to be aware of the health risks that ticks pose to both humans and pets. Most people mistakenly believe that ticks don’t become active until summer, but tick season begins in March, during the first days of early spring. As the weather warms up, ticks become active and begin their search for hosts, which makes late winter the perfect time to start taking tick prevention measures.
Ticks are known for carrying a variety of diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. The best known is Lyme disease, but ticks can also carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. These can cause severe symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and even death. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have been bitten by a tick and are experiencing any symptoms.
There are several types of ticks, and not all of them pose a threat to humans and pets. The most common ticks found in the United States are the black-legged tick, the lone star tick, and the American dog tick. The black-legged tick, or “deer tick,” is the most common tick that transmits Lyme disease. The lone star tick is known for spreading ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The American dog tick is known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is important to be able to identify these ticks and know which ones pose a threat to you and your pets.
More information on Lyme disease can be found by clicking here.
To learn more about other tick-borne diseases, review the CDC’s comprehensive list, available here.
When it comes to tick prevention, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. The first step is to avoid areas where ticks are commonly found, such as wooded and grassy areas. When spending time outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. You can also use insect repellents that contain DEET or other chemicals that repel ticks. However, always remember to read and follow label directions. It is important to note that the use of chemical pesticides like DEET can pose health risks, especially to children and pets.
If you have a tick infestation on your property, it is important to take pest control measures to eliminate the problem. Clearing brush and tall grasses can help reduce tick populations in your yard. You can also use tick tubes, which contain treated cotton that mice use to make their nests. The treated cotton will kill any ticks that touch it. It is also important to keep your pets on tick preventatives to reduce their risk of being bitten and bringing ticks into your home.
Regular pest control treatments can also help keep ticks at bay. At Masters Pest Control, we offer a variety of pest control services designed to target ticks and other common pests. Our technicians use safe and effective methods to eliminate ticks from your property and help prevent future infestations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start thinking about tick prevention. Contact Masters Pest Control today to learn more about our tick services and how we can help keep your property tick-free this spring and summer. Call (877) 546-9575 or request a free estimate, here.