There are many pests infesting the homes and businesses in Texas. Some wonder into your building where others hitch a ride. Some pests are just creepy, others cause property damage, and more pose a health risk. No matter which type fits the bill, pests are a nuisance and any infestations need to be taken care of as soon as possible. Ticks are a common problem throughout Texas, commonly latching on to our pets, they can easily be found on people as well. More often than not, either you or your pet brought home ticks on your last nature walk, or they managed to find their way in your yard and you unknowingly carried them inside. No matter how it happened, ticks are known carriers for many diseases and ailments. For most of the United States, early spring is the start of tick season. With all of that in mind, we at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to share some insight on the four most commonly seen ticks in Texas; the American Dog Tick, Brown Dog Tick, Blacklegged Tick and Lone Star Tick.
American Dog Tick
American dog tick are one of the most occurring ticks in the area. They have distinctive white markings on their back and as their name implies, American dog ticks are generally found on dogs. As adolescence, they frequently feed on small rodents, but as adults dogs are not their only source of food; these ticks have been done to victimize humans, cats, and many other wild, domestic, and livestock. American dog ticks are primary carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and if left untreated can be quite serious. Additionally, they cause tick paralysis and transmit tularemia.
Brown Dog Tick
The Brown Dog tick gets its common name from its overall reddish brown color, and because it is commonly found on domestic dogs. Although this species is most commonly encountered indoors and in kennels, it typically does not bite humans but will in the absence of a canine host on rare occasions. If found on a dog or other animal, the brown dog tick should be removed as soon as possible. The brown dog tick is a vector of several pathogens causing dog diseases including canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesiosis.
Blacklegged Tick
Blacklegged ticks are typically found in wooded and brushy locations. Expanding their range in the last few years, they have been populating Texas. Larvae and nymphs will host on small birds and animals, at adulthood, their preference are deer. Blacklegged ticks are also known as deer ticks due to their favorable host, but in any stage of their cycle, they will attach and feed off of humans. Blacklegged ticks are notorious vectors of Lyme disease, as well as babesiosis.
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks are so named due to the distinctive white star marking on their back. These ticks are most active in early spring to late fall. After hatching, the larvae will feed on small animals; nymphs will graduate to larger animals, but will also stick to small ones as well. By adulthood, they are primarily feeding on larger animals and all 3 stages lone star ticks will attach onto humans. These ticks are well known for causing tick paralysis in dogs and humans as well as transmitting tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, especially in Texas.
Tick Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal, Management & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
Other tick species found in Texas include Asian Longhorn Tick (a fairly new invasive species), Brown dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, Cayenne tick, Winter Tick, Spinose ear tick and many others. No matter what ticks are infesting your home, business, our outside property, A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can treat any infestations and place preventative applications to help you avoid further infestations. Call us today to get your property tick resistant or if you need assistance with tick infestations.
