Ticks are parasites that feed off the blood of a host, such as birds, cats, dogs, reptiles, and even humans. While the origins of ticks remain unknown, fossils include them going back as far as 100 million years ago. Since ticks live by hopping from host to host and drinking their blood, they are one of the most dangerous pests when it comes to transferring diseases.
Some of the most common diseases caused by ticks are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and babesiosis. There is even a type of tick – the lone star tick – that can make you allergic to meat. Your pets are susceptible to these diseases too, as well as being carriers to bring ticks into your home. If you believe you have a problem with ticks on your property, make sure to call Etheridge Pest Services to help solve your pest problem.
Tips for preventing Ticks
If you have pets, make sure they are receiving treatments to prevent ticks. Tick-prevention medicine tends to be relatively cheap and easy to obtain for pet owners. Additionally, this same medicine is used to prevent fleas.
Wear insect repellant when going outside. Last thing you want to do is carry a tick back home with you. Spray your feet, legs, pants, shoes, and anything else that may touch the ground during your outdoor activities. This also repels mosquitos and other annoying outdoor pests.
Wear covered shoes and long pants when you go outdoors. While ticks can still hitch a ride on your clothes, at least you have a layer of protection from the diseases they carry.
Wash and dry clothes that may have had ticks come in contact with. The heat from most dryers is enough to kill ticks.
Any time after you go outdoors, make sure to check yourself and any exposed skin for ticks. Don’t forget to check your pets too.
To prevent ticks from getting comfortable in your yard, remove all organic litter like leaves, brush, and branches. Keep your grass cut short, as ticks use tall grass to hop on a passing potential host.
Outside food sources such as pet bowls, open garbage cans, and even bird feeders can be sources of food that attract wild animals carrying ticks onto your property. Make sure to secure all outdoor food sources.
If your pets are getting chewed up and ticks are ticking you off, call Etheridge Pest Services and we’ll treat your property and take care of a variety of pests at once.