What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They’re most active during the spring and summer months when they can be found in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks can range in size from less than a millimeter to over a centimeter, and they’re usually dark brown or black in color.

Where Can I Find Ticks?

Ticks can be found in any number of outdoor environments, including wooded areas, grassy fields, and even your own backyard. They’re often carried into these areas by animals like deer, mice, and birds. Once ticks find a suitable host, they’ll attach themselves to the skin and begin feeding.

How Do Ticks Spread Disease?

Ticks are dangerous because they can transmit diseases to humans through their bites. Some of the most common diseases ticks carry include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Ticks can also transmit other less common illnesses like ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses vary depending on the disease, but can include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and rashes. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, and it’s estimated that over 300,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.

How Can I Tell If My Yard Has Ticks?

One of the best ways to prevent ticks in your yard is to regularly check for them. Ticks are most often found in wooded or grassy areas, so these are the places you’ll want to focus your search. Look for ticks on trees, bushes, and in tall grass. You can also check for ticks on animals that frequent your yard, like deer, dogs, and cats.

How Can I Get Rid of Ticks?

If you find ticks in your yard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

Remove Ticks You Find on People or Animals:

If you find a tick on yourself or someone else, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Then, pull the tick straight out with slow, steady pressure. Avoid crushing the tick’s body, as this can cause its infected fluids to enter your skin. After you’ve removed the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water.

Remove Ticks from Your Yard:

In order to prevent ticks in your yard, you’ll need to remove the places they like to hide. This means cutting back tall grass and weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and keeping your lawn mowed. You can also use a pesticide to kill ticks in your yard, but be sure to follow the directions carefully and keep children and pets away from the treated area until it’s dry. Trying to use pesticides yourself can be dangerous, so it’s best to hire a professional if you go this route.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent ticks, following these tips will help reduce your risk of exposure to them. Be sure to check for ticks regularly, and take steps to remove them from your yard. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick, contact your doctor immediately. Tick-borne illnesses can be serious, so it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.

If you start to see ticks on you, your pets, or in your yard, it may be an indicator that you have a bigger problem on your hands. If you think you have ticks, or if you’re just looking for peace of mind, call a professional pest control company. They’ll be able to help you get rid of ticks and keep them from coming back.