Types of Ticks and the Diseases They Carry:
American Dog Tick:
The American Dog tick is the most encountered tick in Pennsylvania. It may be identified by white marks on its back as well as having the ability to engorge itself to the size of a grape. The American Dog Tick as its name suggests is frequently found on domestic dog species. However, it can also feed on other large animals such as cattle, coyotes, deer and most importantly humans.
The American Dog Tick is a vector for a few dangerous diseases that can potentially be fatal to humans. Some diseases that American Dog Ticks have been known to cause are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and is able to cause Tick Paralysis. American Dog Ticks cannot carry the most common tick borne disease: Lyme disease.
Black Legged Tick:
The black legged tick (previously known as the deer tick) is a tick usually encountered in the eastern United States. These ticks are commonly encountered in brushy densely wooded areas. Hikers need to be especially wary of this species especially if they hike along wildlife trails. Black legged ticks are most active in the summer months and are capable of over-wintering in piles of leaves.
The Black legged tick is a known carrier of some notable tick borne diseases. Babesiosis is a more mild disease associated with this specific form of tick. The black legged tick is also a prevalent carrier of Lyme disease. Luckily, the tick has to be attached for an extended period of time (24 hours) to transmit this illness.
Lone Star Tick:
The lone star tick is most commonly found in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. They can be active from early spring to late fall but are at their peak season during the summer months. Lone star ticks live in low bushes and are known to be aggressive human biting ticks.
The lone star tick in the past has caused some serious tick borne illnesses. They are known to be carriers of tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and have also caused tick paralysis in humans as well as dogs.
How Can You Prevent Ticks?
Now that you know some of the diseases ticks carry, what can you do to prevent being bitten by one? At Budget Pest Control Services, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you avoid ticks while still enjoying your time outdoors.
Protect Yourself. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes when you are outdoors, especially in the woods or tall grass. Wear light-colored clothes as these make ticks easier to spot on your clothes. Use insect repellent when you are outdoors and make sure it contains at least 20% DEET.
Eliminate Their Dwelling. Ticks like to hide in tall grass and shrubbery. Make sure to keep your grass cut low and remove weeds, debris, and wood piles from your yard.
Check Yourself Carefully. It typically takes a tick 24-48 hours before they successfully transmit infections to humans. Check yourself immediately after spending time outdoors. Be thorough when you check, make sure to check everywhere and even your hair.
Don’t Forget Your Pets. Animals can pick up ticks from being outdoors also. Check your pets frequently, especially after they have been outside. Wash their bedding and toys frequently. Make sure to use tick prevention as directed by your vet, as well.
Remove Ticks Immediately. If you find a tick on yourself, family member, or pet, remove it immediately. Use fine-tipped tweezers and remove it with a slow, steady, pulling motion. Flush the tick down the toilet or wrap it in tissue before disposing of it in a closed receptacle. Wash your hands and the tick bite site thoroughly with soap and water after removal.
Contact The Pros. If you suspect a tick bite seek medical attention. If you suspect you have a tick problem, contact a pest control professional like Budget Pest Control Services to do a thorough inspection and implement a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Budget Pest Control our experienced technicians allow us to confidently find problem areas in your yard or household that these nasty little bloodsuckers hide. Our tick service focuses on your problem zones along with low lying shaded areas, or bushes around the yard to not only provide tick elimination but also tick control, which will help to prevent them from entering your yard, home or business. One call to Budget Pest Control starts the ball rolling. Answer a few quick questions about your infestation. Our office technicians will put together an estimate for a tick control plan for you, your pets and your property.
Call today at 412-318-4912 for a FREE estimate.
https://budgetpestcontrolpgh.com/
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