Tick Identification & Prevention

Interestingly, ticks are arachnids like spiders, which means they have the following qualities:

• Eight legs
• A hard exoskeleton
• No wings
• No antennae

However, ticks are not predators and instead are parasitic, feeding on a host for their blood meals.

Ticks are vectors of many dangerous diseases that can have long-term and deadly effects on the people and animals they bite. One of the most notable diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease, which can spread to the joints if left untreated or not treated early enough. 

Other tick-borne illnesses common in our area are:

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Anaplasmosis
• Rickettsiosis

If you are bitten by a tick and experience swelling around the bite site or flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

Unlike many of the other pests experienced on residential properties, ticks rarely, if ever, infest homes. However, ticks can be brought inside by rodents or pets. 

Even so, these pests do not need to be in your house to be a problem. They can easily attach themselves to a person or pet outside. Ticks wait in tall grass or foliage for a host to pass by, falling onto the person or animal. 

If you have high populations of ticks living on your property, it could be because wildlife and rodents have carried them there, and conducive conditions have allowed them to thrive. 

Ticks don't live on a host and instead only attach themselves to feed. Outside, they prefer dense greenery and damp areas. You may be able to find this small pest in compost piles, mulch beds, woodpiles, ground cover, and other moist areas. 

If you are worried about ticks on your property, look to the professionals at Squash A Bug Pest Control. With expert pest control services, you can keep your property free of ticks and the animals that carry them. 

At Squash A Bug Pest Control, one of our knowledgeable service techs will:

• Inspect your property. 
• Share ways to recognize ticks.
• Make recommendations on how you can modify your property to help decrease tick populations.
• Implement necessary products and methods to get rid of ticks.

You can learn more about our tick control services by reaching out to us at Squash A Bug Pest Control today!

Because ticks can end up on any property, with or without pets, everyone needs to take the proper steps to prevent them:

• Ensure you have any pets on necessary tick preventatives by working with their veterinarian. 
• Repair damaged fencing around your property to keep wildlife out.
• Seal any entry points into your house to keep rodents and wildlife from getting inside.
• Remove food and water sources that are attractive to rodents and wildlife.
• Use motion sensor lights to deter animals that carry ticks.
• Keep your yard maintained by removing unnecessary debris, regularly mowing the lawn, maintaining landscaping, and ensuring your yard has good drainage to eliminate dampness. 
• Always check pets, kids, and yourself for ticks after spending time outside. 

Contact Squash A Bug Pest Control for assistance with ticks and the pests that carry them.