Sometimes we need a break from the concrete jungle, and we want to enjoy a hike in the woods, a walk in the grassy fields, or playtime in the yard. While getting away and enjoying the fresh air renewing our spirit, there may be a pest simultaneously feeding on the lifeblood of our system. This pest is stealthy and picks locations on your body not easily seen; plus, it injects a little anesthetic while feeding, so you may not discover its presence for several hours.
The little, blood-feeding creature that can take away some of the charms of an otherwise enjoyable day is a tick. Ticks are in the Houston area and can be thriving on your property; therefore, you need the Houston pest control team from All-Safe Pest & Termite. We are a local, award-winning, family-owned, and operated company fighting pests in Houston.
How To Identify A Tick Bite
The four primary species of ticks in Houston are the American dog tick, lone star tick, brown dog tick, and black-legged or deer tick. These ticks are most likely to bite during the Houston spring and summer months.
Although tick bites look similar to wounds from spiders and mosquitoes, they do not cause swelling like a spider bite, nor do they have the same redness as a mosquito bite. Bites from ticks cause a change in skin color, minor swelling at the bite location, and, in some cases, a rash at the bite site.
Another indicator of a tick bite is the location of the wound. Ticks tend to bite in the warmest parts of the body: the armpits, between the legs, behind the knees, and around the waist. In addition to these locations, ticks will bite on the scalp and buttocks.
If you have a tick on your body or see a puncture wound in one of these locations, monitor your health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that tick bites caused over 50,000 disease cases in the United States in 2019.
What To Do And Symptoms To Watch For If Bitten By A Tick
To get rid of ticks on your body, use tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, and slowly pull out the tick's head. While removing the tick, avoid pressing or bending it. Dispose of the tick in a sealed bag.
Not all tick bites result in an infection; however, ticks can transfer a serious pathogen to the host. Some symptoms to watch for around the bite site include:
- A bull's-eye ring: This symptom is characteristic of Lyme disease; take immediate action.
- Patches of red dots: These red blotches indicate Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
These signs may not appear immediately on the skin; monitor the bite site for several days. Symptoms of the many other diseases caused by ticks in the Houston area may not present themselves on the skin but come in the form of fever, muscle aches, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms. If you experience these issues after discovering a tick bite, seek medical attention to avoid further complications or severe illness.
Four Naturally Effective Ways To Prevent Tick Bites
Ticks need not keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Here are four ways to stop ticks from biting while outside:
- Wear protective clothing to reduce skin exposure
- Stay in the middle of trails while hiking in the woods
- Avoid tall grass and heavy vegetation
- Use an insect repellant containing 20% DEET or more
Reduce the number of ticks in the yard by regularly mowing on a low setting, trimming bushes, and removing debris from the lawn. When you return inside after enjoying the outdoors, check your body for ticks focusing on the hidden, warm areas.
The Most Effective Tick Control Solution For Your Yard
The best solution for tick extermination service in Houston is to use the award-winning services from All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our pest control experts will evaluate your situation and create a custom strategy to eliminate ticks on your Houston property. Contact us today to receive prompt and courteous service.