Tick Control In Baltimore MD

Do Ticks In Baltimore Carry Lyme Disease?

Ticks are a very common parasitic pest around the Baltimore area. They latch onto personal belongings, household pets, wildlife, and rodents in order to go for a free ride. Because they seek blood in order to survive, ticks aren’t particularly picky about the host that they find. This process, however, can be very dangerous in some instances.

The deer tick, which is a very commonly found species in Baltimore, is known for carrying the bacteria that leads to Lyme disease. That said, not every deer tick is a carrier of these pathogens. Additionally, the likeliness of whether or not a tick is carrying this bacteria can be associated with what part of the lifecycle they’re in. For example, tick larvae have not been shown to transmit diseases, however, tick nymphs are often the culprit of bacteria spread. According to a study at Johns Hopkins University, anywhere up to 50% of ticks can spread Lyme disease and there’s simply no way of looking at a tick and determining their status. At Miche Pest Control, our tick control methods are applied on your choice of a seasonal or year round basis (deer tick adults are most active in the winter months!) and offer comprehensive coverage by treating larvae, nymph, and adult populations. To learn more about preventing ticks, contact us today.

What Dangers Are Associated With Ticks In Baltimore MD?

Because ticks are the carrier of dangerous Lyme disease and other illnesses, it is extremely important to spot and remove ticks as quickly as possible. If you and your family are active outdoors during the warm months, do a quick check for ticks every time you come inside. Your furry friends need frequent tick checks as well in order to catch ticks before they have a chance to feed or spread diseases.  There are preventative products available for both people and pets. Be sure to use pet preventatives regularly to protect them. Apply sprays or wipe tick repellent to people and pets when going outdoors. 

If you have a tick infestation on your property, you should not delay in contacting a professional pest management company. We can eliminate ticks from your yard and protect you and your loved ones from serious tick borne illnesses.

What Do Ticks Look Like?

Ticks are a common nuisance that nobody wants to deal with. With hundreds of different species of ticks common around the United States, knowing what a tick looks like is important. Because they are most common in wooded and grassy areas, ticks are often found on dogs, cats, and even children who play outside. They are most active between spring and summer but can stay active even during winter.

Identifying Ticks

Ticks crawl upward, so make sure to check your legs and feet for small dark spots after coming in from tall brush or wooded areas. These are some of the most common places to pick up ticks. Before they attach and begin to feed, the legs of a tick are more pronounced than the rest of its body. This will help you identify if the small insect is a tick or not. 

Here’s an overview of common tick signs:

• Small, 8-legged insect the size of a grain of rice
• Ranges in color from grey, brown, reddish-brown, to black
• Legs are more pronounced before it begins to feed
• As ticks feed, they can grow to over twice their original size
• The skin around the tick may become red and irritated
• It will feel like a bump or lump beneath a pet’s coat
• An attached tick can look like a birthmark on human skin

The Life Cycle of a Tick

Ticks go through four stages of life. When they are eggs or larva, they are much harder to spot. The third life stage, nymphs, are the size of a pinhead. When they grow to be adults, the average size of a tick is between 2 to 6 millimeters. However, a well-fed tick can grow upwards of 10 millimeters in size. It is possible to spot most adult ticks or feel them when running a hand over the animal’s coat or the person’s skin.

For example, a tick will feel like a small bump on a dog or person’s skin. Many ticks look similar to natural moles or birthmarks. Because ticks are drawn to areas with easy access to blood such as the neck, head, ears, and feet, it helps to keep your pets well-groomed in these areas. Regular brushing can help dislodge ticks. People should wear appropriate clothes to cover these areas when in areas that may have ticks. 

A grown adult tick will have a teardrop shape to its body and will grow more round after feeding. They can range in color from gray to dark brown depending on the species of tick. With eight long legs, some unfed ticks may resemble small spiders. When a tick has been feeding for several days, it can grow up to the size of a marble. The skin around the tick may also become reddish and irritated.

Guide To Avoiding Ticks In Baltimore

Ticks are undoubtedly a threat to Baltimore property owners, however, there are certain precautionary measures that you can take to avoid ticks. One of the main things to remember is to stay out of tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. These are common areas where ticks hide. Stay in the center of trails when walking, hiking, running, etc. Also, you should always use insect repellent before participating in outdoor activities.

Implementing these precautionary measures can go a long way in keeping yourself protected from ticks, however, none of them are entirely effective on their own. The fact is the most reliable way to deal with tick activity in Baltimore is to call on the pest professionals. Miche Pest Control provides safe and effective tick control solutions that guarantee ongoing protection from these parasitic pests.