What Are Ticks?
Ticks are a type of predatory pest that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Unlike many kinds of bugs found around residential homes, these creatures are classified as arachnids rather than insects. This was a classification determined through their eight legs, oval-shaped bodies, and certain biological functions.
There are four types of ticks commonly found around our local area: the American dog tick, the black legged tick, the brown dog tick, and the lone star tick. Each tick species may have some variance in its size, shape, and color, but they will be extremely easy to identify when latched onto the skin. Ticks will burrow their heads into flesh in order to gain access to the human nutrients they need to survive.
Are Ticks Dangerous?
A bite from a tick is an extremely dangerous prospect. Not only are there dozens of diseases associated with tick saliva, but many of them will require medical attention in order to be treated properly. Some illnesses may prove to be fatal in at-risk individuals, children, or older adults. Sicknesses such as Lyme disease may cause long-term weakness or chronic fatigue if not addressed immediately.
Why Do I Have A Tick Problem?
Infestations associated with ticks usually stem from an overgrowth of vegetation in the yard. Tall shrubbery and long patches of grass provide places for many tick species to hide and practice their questing behavior on passing people, pets, or wildlife species.
Ticks may be carried into the lawn via wildlife creatures such as rats, mice, deer, and other warm-blooded mammals. A previous infestation associated with wildlife creatures could be pointing towards a potential tick problem in or around the yard.
Where Will I Find Ticks?
You may find ticks in any outdoor area that maintains a large amount of overgrowth. This includes tall grasses, thick trees, and areas of leaf debris. It should be noted that ticks may drop off branches and other greenery while questing for prey. The tick's behavioral act of questing involves waving their arms into the air in hopes of grabbing onto a passing victim. While not always successful, this act significantly boosts a tick's chance to feed.
How Do I Get Rid Of Ticks?
Ticks may be extraordinarily difficult to remove around the property, especially once embedded. These arachnids are commonly chronic infestations that reoccur year after year. This is likely due to certain environmental factors, but it may also be due to repeating wildlife infestations.
The best method of removing ticks involves professional abatement and mitigation techniques. This process cannot be done using over-the-counter products or home remedies. To get started, contact the team at Miche Pest Control as soon as possible. Our team will be happy to review our process with you and schedule an initial visitation date to inspect the property. Once the scope and size of the infestation have been recorded, our team will begin regular abatement and mitigation treatments as soon as possible. Reach out to us online, over the phone, or in-person to get started.
How Can I Prevent Ticks In The future?
- Keeping ticks out of the lawn for good should start with various means of prevention. Consider the following steps:
- Keep the lawn well maintained by cutting, pruning, and trimming all necessary vegetation.
- Install a rock border at least three feet wide around groupings of trees or boxwood bushes.
- Have your pets treated with a flea and tick medication.
- Inspect the home for wildlife infestations using the help of Miche Pest Control.
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