Also known as the deer tick, the black-legged tick is one of the most worrisome pests in Langhorne. This arachnid can lead to serious health complications for both humans and pets, making it a pest that is best handled by a licensed exterminator.
Black-legged ticks are common throughout the eastern half of the U.S. Any area in which shrubby plants, leaf litter and forest grasses are found is likely to be concealing a population of these pests. Unfortunately, it is possible for these ticks to attach themselves to people and pets that then carry the arachnids back to the places where they live and work. This means that suburban and urban landscapes can become infested.
As they are capable of spreading Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and other serious illnesses, it is never wise to ignore black-legged ticks. Instead, it is sensible to remain vigilant and aware. At the first sign of an infestation, the most advisable thing to do is to contact a local pest control company.
Most people find the idea of blood-sucking parasites repugnant. The good news is that it is possible to take action. Control of black-legged ticks and related species can be complicated, which is why it is always recommended that pest management professionals be called in to deal with the situation.
WHAT DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS LOOK LIKE?
Members of this species can look distinctively different from each other depending upon which stage of lifecycle they are in and whether or not they have ingested a recent blood meal.
An unengorged black-legged tick is comparable in size to a sesame seed. Their bodies are relatively flat and shaped like an oval. Like other arachnids, they are equipped with eight legs. Dark reddish brown is a common color. Baby ticks, known as nymphs, are similar in color and shape, but they are closer in size to poppy seeds.
When a black-legged tick has recently had a blood meal, it is engorged. This means that it may appear rounder, and the abdomen probably will look darker.
WHAT DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS EAT?
Black-legged ticks have only one food source: Blood. This may be obtained from a variety of hosts such as mammals, birds, mice and deer. Nymphs tend to feed most from birds and mice while adults show a preference for feeding from white tailed deer.
When available, black-legged ticks also will feed on people and domesticated pets.
WHERE DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS LIVE?
All across the eastern half of the United States, the black-legged tick is a common pest. They may be encountered as far to the south as Texas and as far to the north as Minnesota as well as every state in between. Habitat can vary, but the species seems to have a preference for lower elevations and certain humidity levels. Anywhere that populations of white tailed deer are found, black-legged ticks about bound to be found too.
Forested areas are most likely to have populations of these pests. An abundance of leaf litter, grasses and brush are virtually guaranteed to conceal them. People who enjoy a hike, camping, kayaking or other outdoor recreation in such areas are prone to bringing black-legged ticks back to the home or office with them.
To prevent this, people are encouraged to perform thorough tick checks on themselves as well as any children or pets after spending time in forested areas. Black-legged ticks are most active between March and October, with their numbers peaking in June and July. Still, it is wise to remain on guard against these pests regardless of the season.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS
Perhaps the only good news about these pests is that they do not cause property damage. In fact, it is possible for people to make their landscaping less attractive to these pests by keeping lawns short and preventing foliage from becoming overgrown.
ARE
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
It is easy to view these pests as aggressive. When they are not attached to a host, they are constantly "questing" for one. This involves the tick attaching itself to a blade of grass or other vegetation with its rear legs while its forelegs reach out to grasp a host.
Once attached, the black-legged tick will not leave a host until it is completely engorged. This may mean remaining attached for between three and seven days, depending upon the life stage of the tick. It is possible to remove an attached tick using tweezers, and it is wise to disinfect any bites after removal.
DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
People in Langhorne are correct to be wary of black-legged ticks. This is because they are vectors for disease such as Lyme disease. Recognized as the United States' most common vector-borne illness, Lyme disease is transmitted to people through bites from infected ticks. People may develop fatigue, headaches, fever and a skin rash as the first signs of the disease. If proper treatment is not provided, the infection spreads to affect the nervous system, heart and joints. Another danger that is presented by the black-legged tick is Anaplasmosis. Characterized by chills, muscle aches, headache and fever, this disease may be treated with antibiotics.
Ehrlichiosis may cause nausea, muscle aches, headache chills and fever. This tick-borne disease may be addressed with a course of antibiotics.
HOW TO DETECT GROUNDHOG TICKS
Signs of a potential tick problem include:
• Visual sightings of reddish-brown, sesame-seed sized arachnids • Seeing unusual bites after a visit to a wilderness area • Unusual, unexplained symptoms becoming apparent days or weeks after outdoor recreation
HOW TO PREVENT
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS
To help prevent tick issues the following steps should be taken:
• Using insect repellent in wilderness areas • Wearing long pants and shirts with long sleeves while outdoors • Tucking the hems of pants into socks or boots • Performing thorough tick checks before leaving wilderness areas • Doing tick checks on children and pets before returning from outdoor recreation • Keeping lawns trimmed shorter • Ensuring that foliage in landscaping is under control
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.
