How to Avoid Deer Ticks

By Horizon Pest Control

The offensive deer ticks are known by its so many different names, such as the blacklegged tick or the bear tick. But, it is not its name that made this tiny bloodsucker popular. They are made popular because they are the only known transmitters of the debilitating Lyme disease. Although Lyme disease is not considered deadly, but the infection, it can bring people and pets are severe. Tick bites will leave a bull’s-eye shaped rash that can grow bigger. If tick bites are untreated, the victim may suffer from facial paralysis, heart palpitations, headaches, and neurological disorders.

Deer ticks are commonly mistaken from the dog ticks, but they are different from the brown dog ticks. Here are some ways to know if it is a deer tick:

  • They do not have eyes or festoons
  • They do not have white markings on the dorsal area
  • They are dark brown to black
  • Females have a solid black dorsal shield and a reddish brown abdomen
  • They are 3 millimeters in length
  • They have long mouthparts

Deer ticks are not common in dogs, but they survive feeding on deers and other wild animals. These ticks do not have the Lyme disease at first, especially for nymphs who still have 6 legs, but once they become adults, and they have sprouted 8 legs, then they may be carrying the disease. They commonly get the disease from the white-footed mice, chipmunks or other small animals that live in brushy or wooded areas, but not on deers. After they feed on an infected animal, they will transfer on a deer, which will then transfer them to different locations.

A person who is bitten by a deer tick may not be able to recognize the infection at first since it is just similar to a flu. However, ticks commonly stick on their victim’s skin to get continuous blood from them. A person bitten by a tick may be able to see the bite right away or not. To be able to transfer Lyme disease, a tick must be attached to its host for 36 to 48 hours. After that, victims may unknowingly be carriers of Lyme disease.

The effect of Lyme disease is not fast since it may take a month before you see the signs. If you are bitten by a tick, make sure to place the tick in a jar or sealed bag so that you can bring this to the hospital for analysis. Also, when taking the tick out of your skin, do not touch it with your fingers. Use tweezers instead to remove the tick. Make sure to remove the tick by pulling it with tweezers. As you pull it away from you, its mouthpart should let go, and you will be free. However, do not twist the tick while you are still pulling it because the tick may break, and the head may be left behind.

Since tick bites may happen while you are in an outdoor environment, there are ways to stop them from making a meal out of you. Here are some ways:

  • Wear tick repellent clothes and tick repellents on exposed skin.
  • Educate your children to be cautious about ticks.
  • Treat your clothes with permethrin
  • Spray shoes, athletic gear, back packs, or any materials that will come in contact with the ground.
  • Before going home make sure to check clothing and your body for possible ticks

Deer ticks can be a real nuisance, especially for those who became their blood meal. Do not fall victim to these pests and protect your home against them. Horizon Pest Control offers Residential Pest Control that aims to help and protect you with possible tick infestation. To learn more about our programs and to make you feel safe again, schedule an appointment with us, and we will do the rest.

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