Our Summer Tick Blog
Summer is the best time to take advantage of fresh air and spend more time outdoors. However, ticks will use this time as an opportunity to latch onto people and their pets. These pests may be tiny, but they are challenging to eliminate.
Here, we’ll discuss why it’s crucial to remain vigilant and quickly deal with a tick infestation.
Facts about ticks
It’s a common misconception that ticks are insects. Despite their bug-like appearance, ticks belong to the group of arachnids. So, they’re related to scorpions, spiders, and mites.
Although they seem less dangerous than their more well-known relatives, ticks can cause severe harm to people and animals. They can transmit diseases like tularemia and Lyme disease as they feed on blood. Also, dog owners need to know how much trouble ticks cause their pets. For example, the brown dog tick transmits canine Babesia, which results in profuse bleeding, fever, and shock.
Even though they can’t fly, ticks climb on low plants and grass. Then, when they spot the perfect host coming closer, ticks will extend their upper body, using their front legs to cling to people and animals. This behavior is known as “questing” and heightens their chances of finding a host. Typically, ticks can survive for up to 30 days without a host.
Once they find a host, ticks spend long periods feeding. Their teeth are sharp and slightly curved, burrowing deep into a host’s skin. Securely positioned, ticks can suck blood for several days. As one to two days are necessary for the pests to transmit infectious diseases, it’s crucial to remove a tick as soon as it’s detected.
Ticks are also rapid breeders. Although usually no bigger than five millimeters, a female tick can lay several thousand eggs. Their preferred breeding areas are soft, hidden, and warm. Eggs are laid in clothing, thick and moist foliage, furniture, and floorboards. Due to their size and location, homeowners rarely discover tick nests. Only when people see a lone tick on their skin do they consider that there may be an infestation.
How to deal with a tick infestation
An experienced pest control team will successfully eliminate any tick nests in or around a household. However, there are some measures homeowners can take to protect themselves and their families until professional help arrives.
First, regular lawn maintenance gives the pests less climbing space. Low-cut grass won’t allow them to quest for hosts. Cleaning up debris and unwanted plants destroys cozy and moist areas.
Next, it’s important to avoid sitting directly on the grass. Instead, sit on a blanket. When hiking, steer clear of places with thick bushes and overgrown grass.
A professional will tick all the right boxes
Tick infestations are challenging to uncover and manage. The pests spread quickly, and their bites will leave people feeling tired and unwell. Additionally, they endanger the well-being of all household members.
Anyone who suspects their home might be infested should reach out to pest control professionals. They’ll effectively solve the problem and help prevent further complications.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!