Ticks are parasitic arachnids that hide in thick foliage, crawling onto their unsuspecting hosts as they brush past. They latch on and suck blood from their victims over long periods and often go unnoticed for a while, even as they feed. Many people might panic when they spot one of these sneaky parasites latched onto them. To help alleviate any potential anxiety, it's essential to know how to treat a tick bite. It is even more helpful to understand how to prevent them in the first place since they can potentially spread some dangerous diseases. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these blood-sucking creatures, including the secret to successful tick control in Meridian.
What Does A Tick Bite Look Like?
Ticks remain attached to their hosts for long periods, sometimes up to ten days, where they'll continuously feed on their host's blood. Ticks themselves look like little brown oval-shaped bugs with eight legs and very flat bodies unless they've fed, in which case they will become bloated. If they have detached, then they will leave behind a large red rash with a bullseye shape where their mouthparts punctured the skin. If you suspect you or one of your pets has been bitten by a tick, you should consider contacting a professional to treat your yard and home as soon as possible since ticks can spread several dangerous diseases.
What Diseases Can Ticks Transmit?
Ticks in Meridian are directly responsible for the transmission of nine different bacterial pathogens. They acquire diseases from various host animals that are infected and spread them to others when they feed on their next victim. Some of these can be quite dangerous, and even if you avoid contracting them, the wound left by a bite can lead to secondary skin infections.
It's important to be aware of the potential risks of being bitten by a tick, so read up on some of the diseases ticks can carry, including:
- Lyme Disease
- Powassan Disease
- Tularemia
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
If you suffer a tick bite, it's best to save the tick, send it in for testing, and consult a medical professional for possible treatment options.
How Long Do Ticks Live?
Ticks are surprisingly long-lived, considering what they are. These tiny parasites undergo an approximately two-year-long life cycle, usually entering the adult stage at the start of winter. Ticks go through four distinct growth stages throughout their life cycle and will require a blood meal before moving on from each one. Certain species of ticks will remain attached to the same host throughout their entire lives, relying on the poor unsuspecting person or animal for all of their blood meals. When it comes time for an adult to lay its eggs, they find a secluded area and spawn as many as five thousand, making them extremely prolific pests.
Is There A Permanent Solution For Ticks On My Property?
Tick control in Meridian can be a challenge, but there's one surefire way to protect yourself from these parasitic arachnids. Keeping up with the basics of effective tick pest control such as trimming grass and hedges short, removing excess moisture, and preventing wild animals from entering your property can all help, but at the end of the day, the absolute best means of permanent pest prevention in Meridian is to partner with the knowledgeable professionals at Sawtooth Pest Control.
Our certified technicians come equipped with the highest standards of training, products, and methods, able to directly identify the source of the issue and take decisive action against any infestation you may be fighting. Call today to schedule your inspection, and discover what makes Sawtooth Pest Control the best in the business.