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Wildlife Wednesday: Ticks

Three close-up images of ticks with the text: Wildlife Wednesday

Wildlife Wednesday: Ticks

Welcome to Wildlife Wednesday! This week, we’re focusing on ticks, tiny parasites that can pose significant health risks to humans and pets. Understanding these pests and how to protect yourself from them is crucial, especially during the warm summer months when ticks are most active.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that belong to the same family as spiders and scorpions. There are several species of ticks, but the most common in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include the American dog tick, Lone Star tick, and the black-legged (deer) tick. These pests are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas, where they wait for a host to pass by.

The Health Risks of Ticks

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to humans and animals, including:

  • Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash.

  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Transmitted by the American dog tick, this disease can cause fever, headache, abdominal pain, and a rash.

  • Ehrlichiosis: Caused by bacteria transmitted by the Lone Star tick, symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.

  • Anaplasmosis: Transmitted by the black-legged tick, symptoms are similar to those of Lyme disease and can include fever, headache, and muscle pain.

How to Protect Yourself from Ticks

Protecting yourself and your pets from ticks is essential to prevent bites and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Wear Protective Clothing: When spending time in wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier against ticks.

  2. Use Insect Repellent: Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to exposed skin and clothing to deter ticks.

  3. Stay on Trails: Avoid walking through tall grass and stick to well-maintained trails to reduce your exposure to ticks.

  4. Check for Ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, and underarms.

  5. Shower After Exposure: Taking a shower within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks.

  6. Treat Pets with Tick Preventatives: Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products for your pets to keep them safe from ticks.

How to Safely Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it’s important to remove it promptly and safely:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.

  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.

  • After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Contact Paragon Pest Control

At Paragon Pest Control, we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy the outdoors without the worry of ticks and other pests. Our expert team offers comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring your property remains safe and comfortable.

Contact us today at (972) 435-9797 or visit our website at paragonpestdfw.com to learn more about our services and how we can help protect your home from unwanted pests.