Ticks are one type of pest that you do not want to come in contact with. Ticks are small and well-known for their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals. Causing serious health problems. Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control wants to help you to know how to identify them, know what to do if you have one on you, and outline why they are dangerous.
How Do I Know what Kind of Tick I Have?
There are over 20 tick species, but 4 are common in Michigan. The black leg ticks (deer tick), American dog tick (wood tick), brown dog tick, and lone star tick. While each of these look different, you can characterize them by their small size, eight legs, and round or oval-shaped bodies. They vary in color, ranging from light brown to reddish-brown or black, and their size can range from less than a millimeter to several millimeters in length. It is important to be able to identify ticks to take appropriate preventive measures.
Where are Ticks Most Located?
Ticks are commonly found in the outdoors, particularly in areas with high vegetation, such as wooded areas and tall grassy areas. They require a humid environment to survive and reproduce. Ticks are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring to early fall. Ticks are commonly outside. If you do find one inside your home, it was carried by someone or a pet. Make sure to always inspect your pets and yourself after you have been outdoors in grassy or wooden areas.
Are Ticks on Humans Dangerous?
Ticks can cause redness, discomfort and can carry a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can have serious health consequences if left untreated. A tick needs to be embedded in your skin for at least 36 hours before it starts transferring bacteria. The sooner you catch it the better chance you have in preventing a disease. Deer ticks are known for carrying Lyme disease.
What to Do if a Tick is Attached to You?
If you find a tick on yourself, someone else, or a pet you want to remove it. You first want to gently pull back any hair that may be around the tick. You want to make sure the skin is exposed. Once you find the ticks head, then get as close to the skin as possible, use fine-tip tweezers, and gently squeeze. Do not grab the body of the tick, this will increase the chance of the tick’s blood on your skin. Once you have the tick, pull gently with a straight outward motion. Do not twist or wiggle because this could tear the head off and leave It imbedded in your skin. Once you get the tick out, make sure you wash the area and your hands with soap and water.
Tick Control in Lansing, Michigan
Ticks are not something you want to mess with. They can cause serious health problems. If you have encountered ticks in your home or on your property then you want to call Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control. We will come out and help identify the ticks and get rid of them for you.
