Pests that drink the blood of humans and animals are some of the most dangerous on earth. The medical threat with these pests is very high because diseases can be transmitted. In a lot of cases, they are small in size. This allows them to move about without being detected, especially when their bites are not painful or prickly. Generally, the only visible signs are skin inflammation, welts, or lesions.
Ticks are one species that fixates on blood. It’s difficult to keep them away, much less avoid the illnesses they pass on. The more you know about local subgroups and their specific risks, the better you will be able to prepare for prevention. All-Safe Pest & Termite can assist you in your efforts.
What Ticks Are Common in Houston? What Are the Dangers?
Deer and lone star ticks are dominant in Houston. As you might imagine, deer ticks are obsessed with livestock. That doesn’t mean they’ll ignore humans or domestic animals though. These 0.14 to 0.20 of an inch long bugs are reddish-brown with eight dark legs. It’s not a shock they are sometimes called “black-legged ticks.” Females in the class can be 0.39 of an inch after they’ve had blood. These insects carry the Lyme disease bacterium.
Lone star ticks are known for the distinct white streaks on their skin and the circular marks on the backs of females. Like the deer subspecies, they too have four pairs of legs. Whether it’s a person or pet, livestock or wildlife, these critters are eager to feed.
Critical things you should remember about ticks are:
- They Are Outdoor Pests: You need to be careful when in humid or animal-heavy areas. The same goes for wooded zones and shady spots with plenty of vegetation. Ticks will be rampant. Stay alert in your yard as well; these insects can hold onto you or your pet.
- Their Bites Can Cause Major Issues: Seek medical attention right away if you feel unwell following a tick encounter. Notable indicators are weakness, fever, breathing complications, nausea, and headaches. Use fine-point tweezers to remove bugs, but don’t crush, squeeze, yank, or twist the body.
- Their Diseases Are Crucial: The Heartland virus, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis are just a few of the illnesses ticks are linked to. Fatal conditions can also be contracted. Not every bite ends in sickness, however.
How Can Houston Ticks Be Prevented?
You can reduce the chances of a tick intrusion if you sharpen your lawn management and animal maintenance. Exercising caution in outdoor settings is also wise. Take these steps:
- Cut the grass and trim the greenery regularly. Discard organic debris that you find.
- Make use of tick-repellent products before going into nature.
- Put on a long-sleeved shirt and pants when headed to a tick-friendly location. In addition, long socks and boots are necessary.
- Examine your skin and clothes when coming indoors. Don’t forget to inspect your pet’s fur.
- Get in touch with a veterinarian about tick deterrence and treatments for your animals.
- Routinely clean your animal’s coat and groom it.
- Contact All-Safe Pest & Termite if you have critters ticks could host on, like rodents.
What Can All-Safe Pest & Termite Do About Houston Ticks?
Don’t bother with commercial pesticides; you’ll just be frustrated with the loss of money and limited effectiveness. The treatments our expert technicians at All-Safe Pest & Termite employ are industrial-grade and safe. Some of our interior and exterior options are liquid residuals, dusts, perimeter barriers, granules, and more. Get a free estimate when you call or email today! We have affordable and comprehensive home pest control plans!