A Summer Tick Prevention GuideKeeping You And Your Family Safe This Summer Is Essential!

Understanding the Risk

While ticks in and of themselves don’t pose a serious risk to humans, aside from the “eeewwww” factor, the bacteria they carry and can inject into you does create serious risks. Ticks are not only the bearers of the much dreaded Lyme disease, but other conditions as well, making elimination essential.

Ticks 101

There are literally hundreds of ticks, but the majority of them feed on wild animals and livestock. There are only about 90 species throughout the U.S. Some of the most concerning include:• Dog Ticks• Deer Ticks• Lone Star Ticks

The Lifecycle of A Tick

Almost every tick goes through four different stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. It’s only during the final two stages that it can actually transmit diseases to humans. Many species eat only three times during their lives – once during the course of each stage. It’s during those feedings that the bacteria causing so many different conditions can be transmitted to your bloodstream.

The Danger Zone

Ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, usually from March to October, but they can be found at any time of the year. In most cases, you’ll find them during the day more than you will at night. A tick will seat itself at the tip of a tall plant, wait for an animal to brush by, then it’s on it. They then work their way up, trying to find tissue that’s easy to burrow into. The entire process takes about an hour, but a tick can feed for a week before it becomes engorged.

Removing a Tick

If you find a tick on you, there are a few things you should & shouldn’t do. The most important thing is remove the tick. Some myths suggest that you can smear various substances on the tick & it will release on its own. Some even suggest burning it off. But these methods will only cause the tick to regurgitate the contents of its stomach into your bloodstream. Yuck! You should use a pair of tweezers to firmly grasp the tick around the base of it’s mouth. Pull slowly, but directly. Place the tick in a sealed plastic bag so you can give it to medical personnel if necessary.

Preventing Bites

No one wants to suffer a tick bite. There are several things you can do to prevent ticks. First, if you’re going to be in the woods or in brushy areas with tall grasses, wear long pants. Tuck your socks & shirt into your pants. Long sleeved shirts are good too, as are lightly colored clothes, because it makes it easier to see the ticks. You can also use an insect repellant with up to 30% Deet to keep them at bay.

Keeping Them Out of Your Yard

While you may not be able to prevent ticks in a setting like a state park, you can help keep them off your property. First, keep your grass mowed, particularly where you’ll be walking or spending quite a bit of time. Second, be sure you trim your brush well, too. Finally, you may want to consider having a professional pest control company spray your property to prevent any additional problems.

Making the Right Choice

Ransford Environmental Solutions Inc has been the name to know in pest control since 1896. Specializing in Integrated Pest Management, they’re the only solution. Call 877-283-4498 today for a free estimate.