Tricks to Protect Yourself from Dangerous Ticks
What is Tick Prevention?
If you have ever had an encounter with a tick, the mere thought of meeting up with one again probably makes you shudder. These little blood-sucking creatures, members of the spider family, are prevalent in wooded areas, but are also, increasingly, being found in yards and homes. They feed on blood, and in the process, can spread diseases. What can you do to prevent them? Tick prevention requires a variety of strategies, from protecting yourself to using pest control tick spray to maintaining an environment in and around your home that discourages an infestation. Let’s take a closer look at ticks and how you can prevent them from invading your space.
Types of Ticks
In the Eastern and upper Midwestern parts of the United States, you are likely to encounter deer ticks, which can cause Lyme disease and babesiosis. In the Eastern half of the U.S., the dog tick causes diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. However, dog ticks are spreading, and have been found as far west as California. The lone star tick, which carries diseases like ehrlichiosis and Southern tick-associated rash illness, lives in the Northeast and Midwest regions.
What Are the Signs of a Tick Infestation?
The primary sign that you have ticks in your home is the presence of ticks on the people and pets who live there. Ticks need blood to survive, and they will latch on to you and your family members to get it, often burrowing into warm, moist areas like the armpit, groin, or scalp. When a tick bites, its entire head goes into the skin, and because the bite can be painless, it is crucial that you inspect the bodies of anyone who has been in a wooded area, or any place known to have ticks. Examine the entire body, and be aware that ticks can be extremely small. Another sign of a tick infestation is a tick-borne illness in the family. These illnesses have flu like symptoms, but also come with rashes that can help a doctor diagnose them. If you think you may have a tick-borne illness, contact your doctor immediately, as quick treatment is vital for preventing long-term effects.
The Trick to Protecting Yourself from Dangerous Ticks
Vigilance is key in tick prevention. Using flea and tick prevention products on your pets is a good way to keep ticks from getting into your house. When you are going into wooded areas, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs completely. In fact, it is a good practice to tuck your pants into your socks or tape your sleeves, pant legs, and other openings in your clothes, so that ticks can’t gain access to your skin. Wear light colored clothing so you will notice a tick immediately, and stay on the center of the path, away from underbrush where ticks can hide. As soon as you get home, check yourself for ticks, shower, and wash your clothes.
How to Prevent Ticks: Five Helpful Tips for Protecting Yourself
Keeping ticks under control requires proactive measures, not just in terms of yourself and your pets, but also your home. Use these tactics to keep ticks under control and out of your house.
- Mow the lawn, because ticks like long grass.
- Keep ground cover to a minimum, because it attracts ticks.
- Trim houseplants, to discourage ticks from living in them.
- Minimize bushes and shrubs, to avoid attractive ticks.
- Be careful around woodpiles, which are good places for ticks to hide.
How Apex Pest Control Provides Tick Pest Control
Can pest control get rid of ticks? Absolutely! In fact, with the right pest control services, dangerous tick infestations can be eradicated from your home. Ticks travel inside on clothing and pets, and can live in a moist area of your home for as long as a month if they have recently fed. While there, they will lay eggs, so even if you think you have gotten rid of them, the eggs can hatch and bring a whole new infestation into your home. Apex Pest Control has experienced tick exterminators that can find all the places the ticks are hiding and get rid of both the ticks and their eggs quickly. We will also help you with proactive strategies for flea and tick pest control, to keep your home free of these dangerous and bothersome pests.
Contact Apex Pest Control for Flea and Tick Prevention in Sacramento, California
When you’re dealing with something as dangerous as ticks, pest control service is a must. Because we have extensive knowledge and expertise on all types of pests, including the tick, pest control treatment from Apex Pest Control is effective and reliable. For over 40 years, our family owned business has provided comprehensive pest control services, tailored to meet the unique needs of Sacramento homeowners. Our team of dedicated professionals, led by experienced industry experts, provides expert service to safeguard homes and businesses against pests. Striving to be leaders in the pest control industry, we continuously improve our methods, staying abreast of the latest advancements in order to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing the highest quality of service. For more information about our pest control and preventative maintenance programs, take the first step towards a pest-free home by contacting us today to schedule a consultation.