Though ticks may seem tiny, they carry a mighty punch. Ticks are pretty common pests that you will likely have to deal with your entire life. So, it’s best to get educated on these pesky critters sooner rather than later!
Ticks are teeny parasitic arachnids that leave ruins in their wake. Parasites are known for feeding off of a host body, and ticks are no different. These pests typically bite an animal or human once, then burrow under their skin to feed. The easiest way to identify these critters is by their distinct body regions and coloring. They have a very distinct head and body that each provide a multitude of functions, whereas many pests have one unified body. Furthermore, a tick’s more reddish-brown coloring can be a dead giveaway that you are dealing with this blood-sucking critter.
It is of the utmost importance that you avoid ticks at all costs because they can carry dangerous diseases. No one in your family is safe, including your four-legged friends. Keep on reading to learn about how you can protect your family from these terrible ticks!
How did these critters take over my life?
Ticks know no bounds. They will attach themselves to your body and hold on tight until they’ve taken all you can give, no matter the circumstances. So, it would be best if you were educated on their tendencies and how you might be able to deter them.
Carbon dioxide is highly appealing to ticks, just as it is for mosquitoes. This detail may seem odd, but many pests are attracted to humans because of this. By exhaling carbon dioxide, you make yourself easily traceable, especially to ticks. However, we obviously cannot stop breathing, so there isn’t much you can do to cease this particular attraction.
Sweat can also act as a tick magnet. The lactic acid within your sweat is highly intoxicating to ticks and will attract them from miles away. Luckily, you can somewhat manage your sweat output, thus eradicating your attractiveness to ticks. However, everybody sweats no matter how much deodorant you use or water you drink. So, even this plan isn’t entirely foolproof.
Pets can also be a direct line of travel for ticks to invade your life. Ticks are not picky about their feeding, so they could likely attach to your unknowing pet. Your four-legged friend could invite a tick by simply grazing a tree or rolling around on the ground. The best way to avoid this would be to simply keep a watchful eye on your pet. When your pet comes inside from the backyard, inspect their coat just to ensure there are no unwanted parasites. Furthermore, when taking them out to the wilderness, keep an eye on everything they touch or graze upon. This will allow you to protect yourself and your beloved pet!
Why do I need to protect my family from these pests?
As mentioned above, ticks are parasitic, meaning they feed off a host’s body. However, the exchange between host and tick does not only go in one direction. Yes, a tick gets nutrients from the host’s blood, but the host could also receive diseases from the tick. The most common disease spread by ticks is Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterial infection could present itself like the flu, making it hard to identify. However, a rash should appear near your bite mark which should make it easier to identify what might be making you sick. You might also begin to suffer from migraines due to this disease, which makes these symptoms stand apart from flu symptoms. Lyme disease is not something that could typically kill you unless you let the infection go untreated. Then, you might have some problems.
Sadly, humans are not the only living things susceptible to Lyme disease. Our beloved four-legged fur-balls are just as likely to get this bacterial infection as we are. An animal’s symptoms are incredibly similar to human symptoms. However, if this disease is left untreated, it could cause irreparable damage to your pet’s liver, nervous system, and heart.
Luckily, Lyme disease is somewhat uncommon in the Lone Star state. However, it is important to be on high alert for these pests, just in case!
How do I remove these pesky bugs from my life?
Ticks can be a total nuisance in your life. These pests are persistent and will not stop until they’ve had their fill. Neither you nor your pet should deal with the constant fight against ticks. Protect yourself, your family, and your beloved pets by scheduling a free inspection with 855Bugs! Let us protect you!
