TICKS

Where Will I Find Ticks?

Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas, as well as in leaf litter, tall grasses, and shrubs. They can also be found in areas frequented by wildlife, such as deer paths or rodent burrows. Ticks can also latch onto hosts, including humans and animals, as they pass through tick-infested areas. Therefore, it is important to be cautious in such environments and take appropriate preventive measures.

How Do I Get Rid of Ticks?

Tick removal is the primary method for getting rid of ticks that have attached to the skin. Here are the steps for safe and effective tick removal:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Avoid using your fingers, as it may squeeze the tick and increase the risk of disease transmission.
• Pull gently and steadily: Slowly and steadily pull the tick upward with gentle pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as it may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in the skin.
• Clean the bite area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
• Dispose of the tick properly: Place the tick in a sealed bag or container and dispose of it properly, such as by flushing it down the toilet or putting it in a sealed bag in the trash.

It's important to note that various home remedies, such as using heat, petroleum jelly, or alcohol, to remove ticks are not recommended as they can cause the tick to regurgitate, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

How Can I Prevent Tick Infestations in the Future?

Prevention is key to avoiding tick infestations and reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Use tick repellents: Use EPA-approved tick repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on exposed skin and clothing when spending time in tick-prone areas. Follow the instructions on the label for safe and effective use.
• Wear protective clothing: When in tick-infested areas, wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks or boots to reduce exposed skin. This makes it harder for ticks to attach to your skin.
• Conduct regular tick checks: After spending time in tick-prone areas, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the groin, armpits, scalp, and behind the ears, as ticks prefer warm and hidden areas.
• Modify your landscape: Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming tall grasses, clearing leaf litter, and creating a barrier between wooded areas and your yard. This can help reduce tick habitats and prevent tick migration to your property.
• Protect your pets: Use tick preventives on your pets, such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications, as recommended by your veterinarian. Regularly groom and check your pets for ticks after they have been outdoors.
• Avoid tick-infested areas: If possible, avoid walking through tall grasses, leaf litter, and wooded areas, especially during peak tick season, which is typically from spring to fall.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about tick-borne diseases, tick habitats, and preventive measures. Seek guidance from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as our blog and directly from our licensed technicians at Professional Pest Control Services.

Contact us today to prevent tick infestations from potentially causing life threatening diseases to your family, pets and employees!