Ticks are parasitic arachnids that are commonly found in outdoor areas with lots of grass, vegetation, and wildlife. Ticks have an oval body style with two segments, either six or eight legs, and lack both antennae or wings. Some of the most common types of ticks found in this region include deer ticks and dog ticks, with lone star ticks existing to a much lesser extent. Because they do not jump or fly, ticks rely on coming within close contact with their potential hosts, and attaching to them for a blood meal. Ticks develop as an egg, and progress as larvae and nymphs, before reaching adulthood and living for up to several years. Ticks rely on the consumption of blood to develop through each phase.
The Problems Caused By Ticks
Ticks are capable of spreading many types of diseases among their human or animal hosts. They are associated with Lyme disease, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and a host of other potentially dangerous problems. Tick bites may create skin irritation, and some individuals with an allergy may experience adverse reactions.
If you detect a tick on a human or pet, it should be promptly removed using tweezers. A tick should never be squeezed; rather, removed completely using outward pressure. After removing the tick, clean the area of skin with soap and water. Then, dispose of the tick by submerging it in rubbing alcohol, placing it in a sealed container, or by flushing it down the toilet.
Best Tips For Preventing Ticks
- Wear full-length clothing when entering wooded areas, and avoid walking through tall grass or other high vegetation.
- Apply an EPA-approved insect repellant to areas of exposed skin when outdoors.
- Pets should always be treated for the prevention of fleas and ticks under the care of a veterinarian.
- Closely inspect yourself and your pets for any ticks before re-entering a home after outdoor activities.
Do I Need A Professional Pest Extermination Company?
Property owners who recognize a potential invasion are urged to avoid trying to take matters into their own hands by purchasing sprays, traps, or other do-it-yourself products sold by local home improvement stores and online retailers. Many of these mass-marketed options are incapable of creating high-quality results, and will likely result in further aggravation. Speaking with a local professional is the best course of action.
An experienced pest exterminator will arrive to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior areas of the property to detect the presence of bothersome and potentially harmful intrusions. They will operate according to the latest safety practices, and are well-equipped to get the job done right.
Licensed Provider Of Pest Management Services In Waltham
For more than 40 years now, Assurance Pest Solutions has been providing solutions for residential and commercial clients that are struggling with pest-related concerns in the Waltham region. We are a family-owned team of professionals that have developed a winning formula that has been at the core of our sustainable success.
Today, our organization is deploying many of the latest products and treatment methods that are proven to be safe for humans and the environment. We adhere to many of the recommendations and guidelines issued by the National Pest Management Association, the New England Pest Management Association, and other entities that are actively involved in assessing the best practices for the field of professional pest control.
Our organization is proud to announce that we have multiple staff members that are Associate Certified Entomologists. This accreditation from the Entomological Society of America indicates that the recipient has acquired the knowledge and skills to be among the leaders in this industry. We encourage you to contact us today for an on-site inspection and estimate.