Steps Texas Homeowners Should Take To Avoid Ticks

During the summer months, it’s important to consider the safety of yourself and your family. In many cases, this means taking a look at pests that are around your home. Insects are plentiful during the summer and can easily make their way into your yard and home, and ticks can be dangerous to both humans and animals. When ticks bite your pets, they may enter your home and move from your pet to you. Here are some things every homeowner should know about ticks.

What Ticks Are Common In Texas?

Deer ticks and American dog ticks are frequent in our region. 

Deer ticks range a little in size, from 0.14 to 0.20 of an inch long. At maximum, the females can bloat to 0.39 of an inch when packed with blood. Their eight legs are dark, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “black-legged ticks.” You’ll often find these reddish-brown to brown colored parasites hanging around deer and other livestock, hence their name. However, they’re just as likely to feed on humans and domestic animals like cats and dogs. While deer ticks don’t directly cause Lyme disease, they are carriers of the bacterium tied to the condition. Not every bite by them will end in Lyme disease, however.

American dog ticks are also called wood ticks. They are nearly the same size as their relatives who love deer. Although, the females in this class are a bit longer after they’ve consumed blood. They can extend to 0.59 of an inch.

When is Tick Season?

Ticks thrive in warm weather, especially when the heat is combined with high humidity. Since Texas summers can be hot and humid, ticks are an important pest to watch out for. Ticks feed on blood from humans and animals. They attach themselves to humans or animals, such as wildlife and other rodents, and are transported into yards and houses. Once they’re in your yard, it’s easy for them to bite your pets and your family.

Where Do Ticks Live?

Ticks dwell in grassy pastures and woodlands that are humid. Plots that have lots of shade and are riddled with animal life will be covered with these pests. If you’re strolling or hiking in such a space, be watchful. In seconds, these bugs can burrow into your skin or that of your pet. Also, keep a close eye out if you are out in the yard. 

Why Are Ticks Dangerous?

Getting bitten by ticks is a lot like gambling. Most of the time it just hurts a bit and is annoying. It is only in rare moments that you win a special prize. In the case of ticks, this usually involves an uncomfortable or life-changing disease. Some common diseases you may contract from a tick bite include:

What Should You Do If You Find A Tick On You?

There is a right way and a wrong way to remove a tick from your body. The wrong way leaves this pest’s head ripped off and lodged beneath your skin. To safely remove a tick from your body, start by grabbing a pair of tweezers, soft-headed tweezers work best. Next, grab the tick around its head and get as close to your skin as possible. Finally, pull firmly at a medium pace. Do not jerk, twist, or bend the tweezers while you do this.

How to Dispose of a Tick

Once the tick is safely removed from your skin, DO NOT throw it away. Instead, store it inside a plastic bag in the freezer. As weird as this sounds, it is the best way to potentially save yourself a lot of trouble if you show symptoms of Lyme disease. If you didn’t know, Lyme disease has many strains and is difficult to identify and treat without the vector that caused it. Having the tick that spread it to you greatly increases your chances of finding quick and effective treatments from your doctor.

How to Prevent Ticks in Your Yard and Home

• Keep your grass cut low, and get all organic debris off the lawn. 
• Always use tick repellent products before going outdoors.
• Put on long socks and boots prior to being in tick-sensitive land. Also, wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt. 
• After being outside, scan your clothes and skin. Check out your pet’s coat too. 
• Talk about tick deterrence and treatment with your pet’s veterinarian. 
• Your animals and pets should be groomed regularly. 
• Call Bill Clark Pest Control for rodent and wildlife control and exclusion services if you have issues with the critters that can carry or attract ticks such as mice, rats, or raccoons.

Contact Your Local Tick Removal Professionals

The professionals at Bill Clark Bugsperts know how to safely identify and eliminate ticks. Bill Clark Bugsperts can help you identify the root of the problem. They will show you areas that may have invited ticks and will help you create a solution to keep ticks out of your yard. Don’t hesitate to call. Ticks are incredibly dangerous. Protect your pets and your family by reaching out to professional pest control for the best treatment and elimination of ticks this summer. To schedule an appointment, contact the Bugsperts today!