Ticks are often seen as a nuisance by those who enjoy the outdoors. Even though ticks may seem harmless, do not be fooled. They can spread diseases by latching on to their host. The best way to prevent tick infestations is to remain vigilant at all times and to be aware of the places that are most likely to have ticks. After spending outdoors, it is highly recommended to check your clothes, body, pets, and/or children. Ticks are most commonly spotted in wooded areas surrounded by tall grasses. Forests, parks, and rural areas are often teeming with ticks. They are the most active around the warmer months during the summer. It happens to be the time of the year that people go outside and spends hours on a hike or a trail. Other activities that can increase the likelihood of having ticks are camping, gardening, dog walking, and playing outdoor sports on the grass.
The way to prevent tick infestations and ticks, in general, is to check your clothing, any equipment, and boots/shoes. After you come home, it is advised to throw your clothes in the dryer and let them tumble dry for at least 10 minutes on high heat.
Additionally, taking a shower within a two-hour timespan will greatly reduce the possibility of Lyme disease. Early signs and symptoms of those affected include headaches, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle, and joint aches. You may also notice substantial swelling on any part of the body. Later symptoms can include facial numbness, nerve pains, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, episodes of dizziness, shortness of breath, rashes on other areas of the body, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and severe headaches and neck stiffness. If you suspect you recognize these symptoms, contact a medical facility right away.
Make sure you check children, pets, and yourself.
- In and around the ears
- Under your arms
- Inside of your belly button regardless of shape or size
- Back of your knees
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
If any equipment, check any seam, hole, and or crevice. Same for any bags, backpacks, and containers.
If you suspect tick infestations inside the house, check any cracks, gaps, floors, and where pets sleep. Just like in nature, ticks have the habit to stay in secluded areas. Therefore it is highly recommended to keep your house/workplace as organized as possible. This will help to spot any insect right away and minimizes the chance for insects like ticks to stay tucked away. Over-the-counter pesticides may help but may have limitations depending on the percentage of the active ingredient and where you apply it. Most homeowners are not aware of the types of spaces ticks can inhabit. It is therefore recommended to contact professional pest control technicians that have the skill and knowledge to take care of tick infestations with immediate results. Contact Pest Control Peterborough to speak with one of our licensed technicians and to schedule an appointment.
