As the weather continues to warm up into summer, it’s important to stay aware of the seasonal pests to watch out for. No one likes a wasp sting or a mosquito bite, but of all of the pests that are out to get you, ticks are one of the hardest kinds to avoid. Some of the tick species active in St. Louis MO are capable of spreading serious diseases, so it’s important to learn how to avoid them and remove them when you do find one on your body. Read on to learn more about ticks from the experts at Bug Out!
What are Ticks?
Ticks are parasitic pests that dwell in humid, shaded, and densely vegetated areas. They are arachnids, meaning that they have 8 legs and no antennae, like spiders. Although they bite humans as spiders also do, they bite for a different purpose and in a different way. Ticks feed off of the blood of humans and small animals, and in order to get their fill, they will burrow themselves in our skin and slowly draw blood over the course of a few days.
When ticks are in the process of biting, they inject saliva with anesthetic properties into their host to prevent them from feeling any pain. This allows them to continue to draw blood undetected until they are seen, so it is important to conduct routine tick checks and know what to do when you find one on you.
Need a Pest Control Estimate?
How to Safely Remove Ticks
Knowing how to conduct safe tick removal is crucial to keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe from vector-borne illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you take these steps to remove ticks safely:
- Using tweezers, pinch the tick as close as possible to the skin.
- Steadily pull the tick out of the skin without twisting to prevent its mouthparts from breaking off. If they do break off, remove them with tweezers afterward.
- Clean the bite mark with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water after taking the tick out.
- Dispose of the tick by tossing it in a sealed bin or flushing it.
If you develop a rash, fever, muscle and joint pain, or headaches in the next few weeks following a tick bite, reach out to a local medical professional. These could be early signs of Lyme disease.
Tick Control Professionals in St. Louis MO
If you’re routinely finding ticks on your body after spending time outside, you might have a tick problem on your property. Our tick control experts at Bug Out can visit your home or business to find tick hotspots and any vulnerabilities. We offer barrier spray treatments that can keep ticks away and discourage them from breeding for months at a time. Reach out today for a free quote!
Back to Flea and Tick Exterminators – Control – Removal