Ticks: Why You Should Keep Your Pets Safe

Rainy Spring Sundays, the Winter’s Snow, and Hot Humid Days, Increase Tick Population.

In addition to rainfall and temperature, climate change with seasonal weather variations are contributing to the acceleration of a tick’s developmental cycle, causing an increase in eggs. A humid spring creates conditions conducive for a tick outbreak in early summer. Increased humidity creates the ideal environment for ticks.

• Adult females lay their eggs in the spring

• An engorged female tick may lay around 2,000 eggs or more

• After hatching, ticks must immediately begin their quest for a hosts’ blood in order to survive

• A tick must draw blood from a host in order to molt and reproduce

• Once full of blood, the tick will fall from the host and be able to lay eggs

Ticks are known for climbing grasses and shrubs in an attempt to attach themselves to a host (people or animals) walking by. A tick needs to be attached for a certain length of time extracting blood before it can transfer disease. Of all blood sucking arthropods, ticks transmit the widest array of diseases.

After being in an infested area, and since most tick bites are painless, be sure to check yourself and your pets for ticks immediately.

Taking precautions can help reduce the risk of infection related to serious diseases carried by ticks. Wear long sleeves and pants. Tuck your pants into the top of your socks or boots to create a “tick barrier.” Be aware and avoid any harboring grassy unmanned landscape, wooded or brush areas.

Tick Avoidance Tips

• Walk in the center of trails

• Find and remove ticks from your body

• Avoid tick habitat such as densely wooded areas

• Use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET

• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors

Apply pesticides outdoors to control ticks, if needed, or hire a professional at PEST ARREST.