There are many kinds of ticks. The most common types of species include American dog tick, brown dog tick, Lone Star tick and blacklegged tick (also known as deer ticks). Each of these ticks are associated with diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), Heartland virus, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, tularemia, Powassan disease, anaplasmosis, and so much more. Today, we at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to share the importance of checking for ticks. When it comes to tick-borne illnesses, there are two types; acute and chronic. All of the diseases spread by ticks can be cured in the acute stage. However, in the chronic stage some cannot be cured and can lead to lifelong health complications. For example, Lyme disease can cause ongoing headaches, fatigue, rashes, nerve pain, encephalitis, memory problems, stiffness, irregular heartbeat, heart diseases, arthritis, and more.
How to Check for Ticks
There are many important reasons as to why you should routinely check for ticks can protect you, your family, and your pets. Your physician will not be able to properly treat you should you get sick and don’t realize that your sickness is related to a tick bite. Because it shares symptoms with fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, MS, ALS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and as many as 350 other diseases, Lyme disease is often called the great imitator in fact. By fast reaction and proper removal, some diseases that are spread by ticks can be prevented. To transfer from tick to human, for instance, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease to occur in humans takes 24 to 48 hours.
What Do Ticks Look Like on Dogs?
The most common places for ticks to attach to pets and dogs are between the toes and in the ears, start the search here first. Feeding ticks are engorged and looks a lot different than a tick that has not fed. Thoroughly run your fingers through your pet’s fur to feel for bumps and if any are ticks, be sure to have them removed quickly.
How to Remove a Tick
No matter how badly you want to, resist the urge to pinch and pull off a tick. Bacteria-causing organisms can inject into the wound by squeezing the tick. As close to the head of the tick as possible, pinch the tick and pulls down and away from your skin.
Tick Prevention
Lyme disease more than doubled from 2004 to 2016 according to the CDC. Having fewer ticks on your property reduces the risk of tick-borne disease concerns. With the help of your pest control experts, such as A Five Star Termite & Pest Control specialist, you can significantly reduce the ticks on in your yard and inside your home. Additionally, follow the steps below to further you reduce tick exposure.
1) Avoid tall grass and heavy vegetation when spending time outdoors and be sure to keep your own landscape well-manicured.
2) Be sure to invest in mosquito repellent when going for hikes that help prevent ticks from crawling onto you.
3) If you are visiting common areas for ticks, be sure to where long pants that are tight around the ankles or worn in boots.
4) Tick control products for pets, such as tick collars.
5) Improve the home’s seal to keep bats, rodents, and other pets that might be carrying ticks inside your home.
Tick Pest Inspections & Control Treatment 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
To help combat the ticks in San Antonio, TX, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control and let us provide you with the assistance you need to finish out the summer without worrying about ticks. Contact us today!