Even in large cities like Philadelphia, ticks can become a big problem. That is especially true for people who like to go hiking, mountain biking or engage in other outdoor activities during the summer. The chances of a tick infection only rise when people have pets that indulge in adventures with them.
The most common tick species in the region include the American dog tick, blacklegged tick and the groundhog tick. Exposure to these pests can make people and pets seriously ill, which means that it is imperative to be vigilant in areas that are likely to be infested with ticks.
People can still participate in the outdoor recreation that they love, but it is sensible to observe a few precautionary measures. As an example, it is wise to wear shirts with long sleeves and long pants when visiting places where ticks may lurk. The more skin that can be covered, the better as this makes it more difficult for ticks to find a place to latch on and begin feeding.
Additionally, it is advisable for people to perform comprehensive tick checks before getting into the car after spending time in potentially tick-infested areas. Ticks excel at concealing themselves in the folds and seams of clothing. They also may have latched on to pets or children, so it makes sense for adults to check any smaller members of their party before going home. This minimizes the danger of spreading a tick infestation to the landscape or yard.
Despite taking precautions, property owners in the city still sometimes find themselves with a tick infestation to control. Getting rid of ticks is complicated, but it also is a worthwhile endeavor. This is why it makes sense to hire a licensed pest management company to handle the problem. Using specialized products to which only professionals have access, it is possible to effectively, efficiently and safely end tick infestations.
WHAT DO TICKS LOOK LIKE?
With their reddish-brown bodies with gray or silver markings, the American dog tick is relatively easy to identify. Full-grown females may measure five millimeters in length when they have not eaten recently. However, it is possible for members of this species to achieve a size that is three times larger after a meal.
The flat, oval-shaped body of the black legged tick may be orange or brown with legs that are distinctively darker. They are similar in size to American dog ticks, and they also swell after feeding.
Ground hog ticks have bodies that are blond, tan or reddish brown and are about equal in size to a sesame seed. Some people may call this species a woodchuck tick. Females may be distinguished from males by the brown shield on their backs.
WHERE DO TICKS LIVE?
Wooded areas and fields with lush vegetation are likely to be concealing large populations of ticks. The pests stay hidden among the foliage as they search for an appropriate host. Whenever people venture into forests and meadows, they are likely to encounter these pests. In fact, ticks are adept at placing themselves along paths and trails that feature plenty of foot traffic, which makes it easier to find a host.
Without wings or the ability to jump, ticks have limited options for traveling. This is why they use their rear legs to hold onto leaves and stems while the forelegs are left free to “quest” for a passing host. Ticks have finely tuned senses for things like breath, moisture, vibration and smells that make it easy for them to be able to tell when a host is near. When a person or animal lightly brushes against the tick, the pest immediately latches on and does not let go until its appetite is satisfied.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY TICKS
Performing tick checks before returning home is an excellent means for protecting people and pets from health-related complications. The good news is that ticks do not cause structural damage to buildings. Nonetheless, their ability to make people sick is more than enough reason to seek tick control in Philadelphia.
WHAT DO TICKS EAT?
Blood is the only substance that meets the nutritional needs of ticks. Typically, blood is obtained from mammals, birds and other creatures. Accordingly, it is not common to find ticks lurking in kitchens and pantries, and these pests do not eat food that is intended for people.
ARE TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
Many people view ticks as an aggressive species because these pests feed on blood. Moreover, they do not leave a host until they are forcibly removed or fall off after eating their fill. Because they eat blood, ticks frequently are considered an aggressive species that needs to be eliminated. This impression is exacerbated by the pest’s ability to rapidly reproduce.
DO TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
Recognized as vectors for numerous serious diseases, ticks quickly can make people sick. The American dog tick is particularly known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever. People infected with this illness may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, appetite loss, muscle soreness and stomach pain. Another illness that is spread by this pest is tularemia. Symptoms may include swelling of the tonsils, ulcers in the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea.
The most common sickness that is spread by black legged ticks is Lyme disease. People who experience general achiness, rash, fever, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes and unusual fatigue may be showing the early symptoms of this illness.
Ground hog ticks are known for spreading Powassan virus, which is an infection that can be lethal if it is not treated. Some of the common symptoms of this illness include seizures, loss of physical coordination, fever, vomiting, weakness and difficulty speaking.
HOW TO DETECT TICKS
Signs of a tick infestation include:
• Unusual symptoms arise after spending time outdoors • Having to use tweezers to remove ticks that have latched on to skin • Identifying ticks hiding in clothing, luggage or outdoor gear • Discovering bite marks, particular on the legs and ankles
HOW TO PREVENT TICKS
To help prevent tick issues the following steps should be taken:
• Wear shirts with long sleeves and long pants for outdoor recreation • Tuck pant hems into shoes or boots • Use adequate amounts of insect repellent when spending time outside • Keep yards and landscaping trimmed and neat to minimize tick habitat • Perform tick checks before getting in the car to return from forests, fields and meadows • Upon returning home, put all clothing in the wash and take a shower
HOW TO TREAT FOR TICKS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we take tick problems seriously. That's why we employ a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing tick control for your Philadelphia home or business.
Our treatment process includes all of the areas where ticks ate known to hide, including cracks, crevices, around doors, windows, baseboards, carpeting, furniture, and pet areas.
We use only the finest professional-grade products available designed to kill ticks on contact as well as to provide long-lasting protection against future infestations.
Proper tick removal begins with a thorough inspection. If you suspect you may have a tick problem, call Newtown today to schedule a free inspection.
