The Secret To Preventing Tick Bites In Atlanta

Summer is hot and humid, but the trade-off is we enjoy a long fall season compared to other areas. We enjoy hiking and playing in the yard longer than in many parts of the country. The downside to our extended fun is we have to deal with pests like ticks longer than others. Nothing is more frustrating than discovering ticks on your body or your pet after enjoying a day in the sun. 

If ticks are disrupting your fall fun, then secure the services of the Atlanta pest control experts from Squash A Bug Pest Control. We are a local, family-owned business with technicians who have an average of 10 years of experience in the pest control industry; we know how to fix pest control problems. 

How To Identify A Tick Bite

Three tick species are in Georgia: the American dog tick, the lone star tick, and the blacklegged or deer tick. Tick bites in Atlanta appear similar to wounds from spiders and mosquitoes, but there are differences. 

These are characteristics of tick bites:

• Changes in skin color and minor swelling
• They do not swell like spider bites
• May cause a rash
• May be attached to the skin at the bite location 
• Don't have the same redness as mosquito bites
• Generally occur in the warmest parts of the body: the armpits, between the legs, behind the knees, and around the waist

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there were over 50,000 reported cases of tick bites in 2019 in the United States. If you see tick bites on your body, monitor your health.

What To Do And Symptoms To Watch For If Bitten By A Tick

A few months ago, Emory University scientists announced that the heartland virus was a tick disease spreading in our area. In addition to the heartland virus, other diseases caused by ticks in Atlanta include: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, and Lyme disease. Watch for the following symptoms :

• Lyme disease: Often, a bullseye rash will appear at the wound site in three to 30 days after the tick bites. The rash may expand over the next few days and feel warm to the touch. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. 
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: A rash consisting of small, pink spots on the wrist, forearms, and ankles develops in about 90% of bite victims about two to five days after the bite. The rash may turn purple and spread to other parts of the body.
• Ehrlichiosis: Within the first five days, fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms occur. After the symptoms begin, a red, splotchy rash may appear. 
• Anaplasmosis: Mild to moderate flu-like symptoms appear within the first five days after infection. If left untreated, severe illness and even death are possible. 
• Rickettsiosis: This disease is similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever but less severe. Symptoms are flu-like and may include a rash on the trunk and extremities of the body. 
• Heartland virus: This virus causes flu-like symptoms.

These are the diseases caused by ticks in the Atlanta area. Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur after a tick bite. 

Four Naturally Effective Ways To Prevent Tick Bites

Here are four simple ideas for tick protection against bites: 

1. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and minimize skin exposure 
2. Treat clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin
3. Use an EPA-approved tick repellant
4. Avoid areas with tall grass, dense vegetation, and wooded areas 

Upon returning from time in the yard or on a hike, check your clothing and body for ticks. 

The Most Effective Tick Control Solution For Your Yard

Squash A Bug Pest Control is your tick extermination service in Atlanta. We will inspect your property for ticks and hot spots; we will use tick tubes and treatments customized for your situation to eradicate the ticks from your Atlanta property. Contact us today for your free quote.