While tiny in size, ticks, and other pests can pose significant dangers to humans and our pets. Understanding the dangers associated with insects and ticks can help you understand the importance of being on the lookout for them. Understanding the dangers will also encourage us to take steps to avoid contact with them.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are neither insects nor spiders. They are arthropods that belong to a special group of mites. All ticks are parasites, meaning they require a blood meal to live, grow, and produce eggs. They have mouthparts that enable them to bite and enter the skin of their victim. A few species of ticks are dangerous to both humans and pets.
Tick Bites
Ticks most often bite in spring and summer and tend to be more common in areas where there are many wild animals and birds around. It is important to note that not all ticks carry disease, but telling a tick carrying a disease from one that is not, is impossible. If you get bit by a tick, you should remove the tick as quickly as possible, using tweezers to grab as close to the skin as possible and pulling the tick straight out. Take care to remove the tick's head to prevent infection. Once the tick has been removed, wash the site with soap and water and watch for signs of illness.
Tick-Borne Diseases and Illnesses
Some people are allergic to tick bites. A mild allergy may cause annoying symptoms, but would not be life-threatening. In some rare cases, a severe allergic reaction to a tick bite could cause anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.
Some ticks carry diseases that cause symptoms similar to the flu in their victims. You could experience headaches, vomiting, nausea, and muscle aches anywhere between one day to three weeks after the tick bite. In some cases, there will be a rash around the site of the bite, or even over your entire body. The most common and well-known disease people can get from ticks is Lyme disease, but there are many diseases that can come from a tick bite.
Tick-borne diseases include:
- Lyme disease
- Colorado tick fever
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- And more
Preventing Tick Bites
When going outdoors to work or play in grassy or wooded areas, cover as much as your body as you can. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Tuck your pants into your socks. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks crawling on you.
Use insect repellent products that contain DEET.
Clear your yard of leaves, tall grass, woodpiles, and brush to reduce ticks in your area. Consider removing plants that attract deer to your property, as ticks often feed on deer and then jump off into the yard.
Reduce Tick Populations with Big Blue Bug Solutions
It is not possible to completely eliminate ticks from your property but you can drastically reduce the population of ticks and therefore decrease your risks for being bit by ticks with professional tick control services from Big Blue Bug Solutions. We identify probable areas where ticks breed and apply treatments to reduce ticks around your home.
Give us a call if you would like to enjoy your yard without the fear of ticks!