Ticks are a pest that needs another host to survive, so they will attach themselves to animal or human hosts to get a blood meal. Because of this fact, they can be quite dangerous and are known for spreading illnesses including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about ticks around Fort Worth.
What Time Of Year Are Ticks The Worst?
In the Fort Worth area, ticks can be a problem year-round. As the weather is generally temperate to hot, ticks can stay active regardless of the month. This means that you should be aware of ticks and take steps to protect yourself throughout the year.
Do Ticks Jump On You?
While ticks do latch onto their hosts, they don’t do so by jumping onto them. Instead, they do a behavior known as “questing” which involves holding onto leaves or grass with their third or fourth pair of legs and stretching their bodies waiting for a host to pass by. When a person brushes by, they will then latch onto that host.
How Do You Know If You Have A Tick Bite?
The most obvious sign of a tick bite is if the tick is still attached to your body, but if you’re not sure if a bite is from a tick, you can watch out for a few things. While bites can vary depending on the individual, a rash in a bullseye-shaped pattern is a symptom of Lyme disease, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
What Should You Do If You Find A Tick On Your Body?
If you find you have a tick, you should take steps to remove it right away. Use tweezers to gently pull the tick off of yourself in a slow, steady motion. Once the tick is removed, you should place it in a container in case a doctor needs to look at it. Remember to wash your hands afterward. If you can’t remove the tick on your own or have symptoms such as headaches, problems breathing, or heart palpitations, you should call a doctor right away. Also, seek medical help if you notice a growing rash at the site.
How Can You Prevent Tick Bites?
Since tick bites can be very dangerous in some cases, the best way to protect yourself is to take steps to prevent ticks. There are certain things you can do to protect yourself while outdoors and also to keep ticks from your property. Here are some of the best tick-prevention measures:
- When hiking and camping, make sure to stay on trails and away from dense vegetation.
- Wear long pants tucked into socks when spending time in the wilderness.
- Work with your vet to protect your pets from ticks.
- Keep shrubs, bushes, and trees trimmed and maintained around your yard.
- Place fences around your yard to keep wildlife away.
- Remove organic debris including grass clippings and leaf piles.
Answers And Advice For Ticks Problems
If you have more questions about ticks that weren’t answered here, the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite are here to help. We are a family-owned and operated company in Fort Worth that is happy to help you with any tick concerns. Our trained experts provide fast response times and friendly customer services, and we provide tick prevention and control services, too. To learn more, or to book a free inspection, give All-Safe Pest & Termite today!