An acute danger that we find in our yards is ticks. These biting arachnids can spread many different diseases that can be very dangerous. They lie in wait in grasses and shrubs for someone to walk by so they can attach to clothing or skin. If you’re having a problem with ticks or any other pests, it’s important to call a Tulsa pest control company to help eliminate them.
Let’s take a look at ticks and how they operate.
Hard Ticks and Soft Ticks
There are two main groups of ticks: hard ticks and soft ticks. Both types can transmit diseases. Hard ticks have a hard shield, called a scutum, while soft ticks lack that shield. Both can swell as they feed on blood, although their appearance and feeding behavior differ.
The lone star tick is one that we find in our area. These ticks can transmit illnesses such as ehrlichiosis and tularemia, and their bites can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome in some people. Other tick species can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Different diseases are associated with different tick species, so not every tick carries every illness. The CDC provides information about ticks and the diseases they can spread.
What to Do After a Tick Bite
These diseases can be very dangerous. If you develop a rash, fever, or other unusual symptoms after a tick bite, contact a medical professional promptly. A spreading, target-shaped rash can be a sign of Lyme disease, but many tick-borne illnesses do not cause that kind of rash, and some cause no rash at all.
When a tick attaches to you, it may feed for many hours or even days. If you find one, it’s important to remove it correctly. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull straight upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause mouthparts to break off in the skin. Once you’ve removed the tick, dispose of it safely and clean the bite area. The Oklahoma State University Extension discusses ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Keeping Ticks Out of Your Yard
Ticks are often found in tall grasses and vegetation in your yard. That’s why it’s important to mow your grass and have a good Tulsa pest control company come out for a yard treatment when needed. Properly applied tick-control products can help reduce tick populations, although no treatment can guarantee that every tick is eliminated.
Keeping ticks away from your pets is important, too. Ticks can spread diseases to pets and cause other problems as well.
Call TermMax Pest Control
If you’re having a problem with ticks or other pest control issues, it’s important to contact a good Tulsa pest control company to help eliminate them. TermMax Pest Control is your go-to company in Tulsa if you’re having an issue. Call us today for a great solution.
