How To Avoid Bringing Ticks Home

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June 5, 2019

Know What To Look For And What To Do

The sun is out, and so are all of your friends. It's the time for long summer hikes, and adventures throughout new regions. Unfortunately, people are not the only ones outdoors more in the warm weather. Ticks will begin to emerge, hiding in the grass or low hanging branches, waiting to latch to you, your loved ones, or pets. Ticks carry dangerous diseases, and these are passed through our bloodstream. The earlier you can remove a tick from your body, the less toxins the body will absorb. If the bite goes unnoticed, you can suffer from tick-borne disease symptoms, and be completely unaware.

The type of muggy weather expected this year always results in a heavy tick season. Ticks thrive in hot wet summers, which means you need to take extra care to avoid them. With all of the wonders in North Carolina, it is not hard to take the long trail back, not expecting there are hidden dangers. Let's take a look on how to prevent tick bites, identify tick diseases, and treat them.

Areas prone to high tick populations:

Wetlands
Mountain ranges
Marshes
Thick forests
Shady areas with tall grass

If you call the east coast home, Lyme Disease is the most infamous issue resulting from a tick bite. Quickly treated, cases of Lyme Disease typically only cause itchy rashes and swelling. Left untreated the rash will spread and may also leave the infected person with facial palsy, heart palpitations, arthritis or shooting muscle pains.

Mountainous areas here in North Carolina are often populated with American Dog Ticks (Dermacentor Variabilis) and Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma Americanum.) These types of ticks carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF.) Those suffering from it experience fevers, nausea, muscle pain, and a distinct rash where the disease gets its name. While this disease can be treated, more severe cases may leave the victim with brain damage, paralysis, and hearing loss. The most unforgiving instances may even require amputation.

Ticks can hide anywhere on the body, so you need to check all over your body, not just the lower sections. Ticks love warm nooks, where blood is circulating. Check crevices between toes, on the back of your knees, under your arms, on the rear of your neck and especially within hairy parts of the body. Some ticks come as small as a poppy seed. A good rule of thumb is to check all areas where you are prone to sweat.

There are many myths and superstitions surrounding the methods of tick removal. Some say you need smoke, or a cigarette in close vicinity, but the correct way is very straightforward. The most efficient way to remove a tick is with a pair of forceps or a large pair of if finely pointed tweezers. Grab the tick by its body and steadily pull it until it becomes unlatched. If you are not careful while removing, their head can lodge itself into your skin and cause a more severe infection. With proper removal and treatment, a tick bite can become a momentary issue.

If possible, take a picture of the tick so the professionals have an accurate account of which species of tick you were bitten by.

There are certain ways to prepare for a hike in an area that might have ticks. If using a bug repellant, make sure it contains permethrin, picaridin, or DEET. When dressing, avoid dark socks and tuck pant legs into socks. The less exposed skin, the less likely they can find a way to your flesh. Take additional precautions for protecting your property from becoming tick-infested by contacting At Ease Pest Solutions. Pets need to be thoroughly checked for ticks on a regular basis if they spend a prolonged time in nature. Ticks are more easily hidden on animals with fur and they can leave your furry friends and make you the next victim.

Our own backyards can even become filled with these dangerous insects. To prepare for tick season in North Carolina, be sure to protect your property with help from At Ease Pest Solutions. Locally owned and run by veterans, At Ease Pest Solutions offers a long-line of pest control services. From termites to Bed Bugs to ticks, we are dedicated to providing full protection to those in Troutman, Lake Norman and the surrounding area. Our experience, expertise, and commitment to customer service is reflected by our 5-Star rating. Call today and ask about our monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly service plans. Let us help you have a tick free summer. We guarantee you won’t regret it.

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