For such a tiny pest, ticks can cause significant problems for your family and pets. These arachnids are external parasites that feed on the blood of people and animals, and they are a year-round problem in Georgia. Welcome to Tick Talk, where we will provide everything you need to achieve effective tick control on your Washington property.
We’ll start by describing the most common types of ticks in our area and review the risks they pose to your loved ones. We’ll also help you determine what factors on your property you can remedy to avoid another tick problem. Read on to learn more about ticks and protecting your family from them with the pros at American Pest Control.
Common Types Of Ticks: Identification And Characteristics
While ticks in Washington are most active in the summer and fall, they can live year-round in our area, so it is best never to let your guard down. The following list provides descriptions and characteristics of the most common species of ticks in Washington:
American dog ticks are brown with gray or white markings, have a hard shell, and prefer to feed on dogs.
Black-legged ticks are orange-brown with dark legs and often attach to the back of human necks.
Brown dog ticks are reddish-brown when unfed, gray-blue when engorged, and prefer dogs.
Lone star ticks are reddish-brown and become gray when engorged, and they attack humans more than other species.
Ticks lay thousands of eggs at a time, making it especially concerning if you find them on your family and pets when they come in from the yard. Contact us today at American Pest Control for help getting rid of ticks and preventing them in the future.
Tick-Borne Diseases: The Silent Threat Of Tick Bites
There is a long list of diseases caused by ticks in our area, but the two most common are Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and Lyme disease. RMSF is most common in children under 15 and presents with chills, fever, headache, bloodshot eyes, and a rash that appears two to four days later. Lyme disease often starts with a rash with a bright outer and lighter inner ring, followed by flu-like symptoms.
Prompt treatment is essential in tick-borne illnesses. If you start seeing symptoms a few days to up to a month after a tick bite, contact your doctor for treatment. Contact us today at American Pest Control for assistance eliminating ticks from your yard and protecting your family from their risks.
Tick Prevention: Remedy Factors That Attract Ticks To Your Property
Ticks are more common on some properties, primarily because of conditions that attract them or because wild animals carrying ticks have access to the yard. Here are some factors you can remedy on your property to help with tick prevention:
Install fencing to keep wild animals out
Store garbage in secure receptacles to deter animals
Promptly deal with any rodent infestations
Keep your grass short and remove excess vegetation and debris
Combining your efforts with professional tick control in Washington is the best way to prevent these dangerous pests. Contact us today at American Pest Control with questions about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Professional Tick Control: A Smart And Effective Solution
The simplest, most effective way to manage ticks is to work with a professional company that offers tick control near you. Contact us today at American Pest Control to learn more about our tick control services or to schedule an inspection and protect your family and pets from the risks of ticks.