Ticks are classified as arachnids, a group that also contains scorpions and spiders. Ticks are wingless creatures with eight legs that are often categorized according to either having a soft shell or a hard shell. Among the most common types of ticks in this region include American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, deer (black-legged) ticks, and lone star ticks. Here in Maryland, ticks are generally most active during the spring and fall months.
Are you experiencing problems with ticks? These are pests that pose potential health risks for you, your family, and your pets; therefore, for safe and effective tick control in Bethesda, property owners should contact qualified pest management experts for assistance. Our trained service technicians at Womack Pest Control are best equipped to quickly oust these dangerous pests from your home.
Dangers Ticks Pose For Bethesda Pet Owners
What diseases do ticks carry? Ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, Rock Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and more.
Ticks attach tightly to their host and feed slowly on its blood, often remaining unnoticed.
In cases where you notice a tick on you or your pet, carefully remove the tick by grasping the head with tweezers. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick, as doing so can cause blood to seep. After removing the tick, immediately flush it down the toilet and wash the area of the skin with soap and water. If you develop a red “bullseye-like” growth or experience flu-like symptoms, promptly seek medical attention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that dogs are somewhat more vulnerable to ticks than cats. As of now, vaccines are unavailable for defending against tick borne diseases.
Dog owners often will not notice tick bites on their dogs. Dogs with tickborne disease typically begin to show symptoms in approximately one week, including differing behavior and changes in appetite.
What Attracts Ticks To Certain Homes?
What are some of the reasons why my home might be vulnerable to ticks in Bethesda? Homes with certain property conditions are most susceptible to types of ticks. For example, yards with piles of leaves, tall grass, or large numbers of wild animals passing through can attract ticks.
Homeowners also should recognize how feral cats and forms of wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, and deer might also introduce ticks to your property. Pet owners should consider limiting attractants and implementing barriers and other exclusionary measures that help keep some of the wildlife away.
For pet owners, keeping your dog or cat on an ongoing, preventative flea and tick treatment plan as directed by a veterinarian is critical. Your veterinarian has options available with a documented track record of effectiveness and safety.
Five Tips To Minimize Your Risk For Tick Activity
What are some of the most impactful tick prevention methods? Property owners throughout the Bethesda region should consider the following tips:
- If (and your dog) go hiking, remain on the primary trail instead of venturing into areas of tall grass and other vegetation where ticks commonly rest.
- Limit the areas of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants.
- Light-colored clothing often makes it easier to notice the presence of ticks.
- Check you and your pets for any signs of ticks when returning from outdoor activities.
- Apply repellant products containing IR3535, DEET, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and treat clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
The aforementioned preventative measures are viable options; however, ticks are persistent and crafty little pests that will still find their way inside your home. In these cases, choosing to have assistance from qualified pros is the best decision. A properly equipped tick control company in Bethesda employs a well-trained team of technicians who are familiar with the different kinds of ticks in Bethesda and know how to get rid of ticks on your property quickly.
Why You Should Leave Ticks In Bethesda To The Professional
Are the do-it-yourself home tick control products effective? Home improvement retailers sell a variety of sprays and granular products that target ticks. Many of these options are very general formulas that claim to handle a variety of pests and represent “one-size-fits-all” solutions; thus, these store-bought products are inherently unproductive. Pet owners who are experiencing tick infestations need customized treatment plans based on the unique circumstances.
Womack Pest Control is one of the leading Bethesda home pest control companies that assist homeowners struggling with these potentially dangerous pests. Our organization also remains committed to ensuring that you will receive high-quality customer service. For solutions to a variety of difficult pest-related concerns, homeowners in Bethesda are encouraged to reach out to our office today. Keep in mind that same-day and emergency services are typically available.