Ticks are a nuisance pest and a major health risk to your family and pets. Ticks carry infectious diseases, and you should avoid them at all costs. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep ticks away from your property. Review the informative guide below to learn about the different species of ticks in Tampa and how to prevent an infestation.
Ticks Can Spread Dangerous Diseases
Ticks are one of the most dangerous pests on the planet due to their ability to spread infectious diseases. Lyme disease, carried and spread exclusively by blacklegged ticks, is very concerning due to its long-term symptoms and effects. Tick bites that form a bull's eye pattern on the skin are a strong indication of Lyme disease, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Other diseases caused by ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
If a tick bites you, it's important not to panic. Most ticks stay latched onto the body to feed, and catching them early is key. It takes around ten hours of feeding on a host for a tick to transmit disease. If the tick has only been on you for a few hours and it isn't engorged, that's a good sign. To remove a tick, be careful not to pull too hard, as you may leave behind mouthparts which could cause a secondary infection. Rub a mild soap onto the bug and rub gently until it becomes dislodged.
Commonly Found Ticks In The Tampa Area
There are several types of ticks in Tampa. Here is a list of the different species along with their identifying characteristics:
- Lone Star Tick: These ticks have reddish-brown bodies that become gray after they feed. Females have a singular white or silver mark on their backs, and males tend to have several white horseshoe-shaped markings. Lone star ticks are between 1/6" and 1/2" in length. They're typically found in shaded areas and will feed on human and animal hosts.
- American Dog Tick: As the name suggests, American dog ticks prefer to feed on canine hosts. They are brown with white or gray markings and are between 3/16" and 5/8" in length.
- Blacklegged Tick: These ticks are also known as deer ticks and prefer deer as hosts but will feed on other mammals. Blacklegged ticks are orange with dark brown or black legs. They're roughly 1/8" in size. As mentioned, this tick is the species responsible for carrying and spreading Lyme disease.
- Brown Dog Tick: This species of tick is reddish-brown when unfed and turns a grayish-blue color when engorged. They are between 1/8" and 1/2" in length. Like the American dog tick, the brown dog tick also prefers to feed on dogs.
If you discover any of these ticks roaming around your property, you may have an infestation. Get in touch with a reliable Tampa pest control company, like EchoTech Pest Control Services.
The Six Best Ways To Get Rid Of Ticks
It's important to become familiar with tick prevention techniques to protect you and your family from tick bites. Here are six proven ways to keep ticks away from your home and yard.
- Mow your lawn often.
- Clear patches of tall grass around your property
- Create a cedar mulch barrier between your property and any wild grass and plant growth.
- Build a fence around your yard to keep tick-infested wild animals away.
- Remove leaf piles and keep firewood stored away from your home's exterior.
- Keep garbage stored in sealed containers with locking lids to discourage tick-carrying rodents.
Unfortunately, preventative measures aren't always foolproof. To get rid of ticks for good, work with an exterminator.
Tick Reduction Services For Tampa Residents
EchoTech Pest Control Services has been keeping Tampa properties pest-free since 2013. We have extensive tick extermination experience, and our eco-friendly pest control solutions are both safe and effective. Give us a call today and get started on our effective home pest control and commercial pest control services.