Getting bitten by a tick is concerning due to the diseases they carry and spread. These pests often go undetected and are difficult to eliminate with do-it-yourself methods. Ticks are easily reintroduced to a property whenever they hitch a ride on an unsuspecting person or animal. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect both you and your property from an infestation. Read on to learn more about how to protect yourself from ticks and why Womack Pest Control is a top choice for pest control in Rockville.
The Habits And Behaviors Of Ticks
Ticks inhabit wooded areas and tall grass close to the ground. They cannot fly or jump and are not fast-moving. These bugs essentially spend their time waiting for a person or animal to pass by so they can hop on for a meal. Ticks detect carbon dioxide from mammals' breath and shadows, which alert them to fall from wherever they are and onto the host.
There are several different types of tick species in the wild, but they all depend on a host to provide them with their food source. Ticks latch onto their host and draw blood, feeding on the blood of animals and humans. While most tick bites result in little more than redness and itching, ticks can spread harmful diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and anaplasmosis. If you are bitten by a tick and begin to experience side effects beyond mild irritation, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How To Identify A Tick Bite
With so many different species of bugs that can sting or bite, it can become challenging to identify which pest is the culprit when you wind up with a painful red bump or rash. And if not adequately treated, diseases spread by tick bites can lead to serious health issues that could affect your nervous system, brain, vision, heart, muscles, and joints. If a bug has bitten you, look at the bite site or have someone else look. Many ticks remain on their hosts for feeding, with their heads burrowed beneath the skin while their bodies are exposed. Also, other bug bites are often filled with fluid, but not tick bites. Ticks also tend to bite in specific locations, such as the legs, neck, groin, and scalp.
Natural Ways To Prevent Tick Bites While Outdoors
One of the most effective tick prevention solutions is to protect yourself when spending time in areas where you may find ticks. Try these tips the next time you head outdoors:
- Wear long-sleeved tops and long pants.
- Apply a natural tick repellent.
- Keep your pets' flea and tick prevention up to date.
- Check yourself, your family, and your pets for ticks before returning indoors.
Taking these precautions keeps ticks away from your body and lessens your risk of getting bitten.
Professional Flea And Tick Control Is A Great Idea For Rockville Properties
At Womack Pest Control, we've served our community since 1943, and we know exactly what it takes to get rid of ticks. Our professional tick removal solutions include a thorough inspection of your property so we can come up with a treatment plan that's right for you. Contact us to learn more about how we can make your property tick-free.