Tick Talk: How to Prevent Ticks

Friday, May 20, 2022

As the temperatures increase, so does the resurgence of one of Mother Nature’s most pesky creations: ticks. Known to live in tall grass and wooded areas, several species of ticks, including the Lyme disease-spreading Blacklegged ticks, can pose a threat to homeowners, campers and outdoor adventurers alike. Rose Pest Solutions offers tick treatments designed to lessen the tick problem on your property so you can relax and enjoy your summer. 

“Every year in the U.S., ticks transmit more life-altering diseases, like Lyme disease, to people than any other biting pests,” said Mark VanderWerp, Manager of Education and Training for Rose Pest Solutions. “Tick awareness is the first, most important step to preventing tick-borne diseases, which are especially prevalent in children.” 

There are over 20 known tick species in the Midwest. The five most common ticks found in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are the American dog tick (wood tick), Blacklegged tick (deer tick), Lone Star tick, Woodchuck tick and the Brown dog tick (kennel tick). Of those, the Blacklegged tick (deer tick) is the species that carry Lyme Disease. 

Anyone can be bitten by a tick and is at risk of contracting Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease has become more prevalent across the country, especially in the Midwest. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are hives, fever, headaches, and fatigue at first, but if not treated, it can damage joints, the heart, and the nervous system. 

Ticks are difficult to detect and even more frustrating to eliminate. Rose Pest Solutions offers the following to help homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts identify, prevent and properly treat ticks: 

• Be sure to apply an effective repellant when spending time in wooded areas. Animal owners may apply tick repellant to dogs and cats that frequent these areas as well if the product allows such use. 
• Ticks generally require 24 to 48 hours of feeding before successfully transmitting diseases to humans and animals alike. If you find a tick on your body and remove it within the first 24 hours of contact, infection is unlikely. 
• The small arachnids do not “jump” but instead attach themselves to humans or animals that brush by them in wooded or tall grassy areas. 
• Ticks are generally attracted to small animals that frequent wooded areas and tall grass such as rabbits, raccoons, skunks and deer, but will feed on household pets and humans as well. 
• Wearing Permethrin-infused (or tick repellant) clothing drastically decreases the odds of ticks transferring to humans. Wearing light-colored clothing also helps to easily identify the dark parasites. 
• To protect a campsite, backyard or other areas of activity, ensure the grass is cut frequently, tree canopies are opened up and be sure to remove unnecessary weeds, leaf litter, and woodpiles. 
• Fencing off areas to keep wildlife out can also decrease the number of ticks. 
• Proactive and consistent inspections are key to preventing a tick interaction. After being outdoors or near areas of concern, family members should inspect their children, pets and themselves for ticks after each outing. 
• Taking a shower immediately after coming indoors is a great way to wash ticks off before they have a chance to attach to the skin. 

For homeowners looking to eradicate ticks from their property, Rose Pest Solutions offers barrier treatment services that focus on weed lines, edges of wooded areas or other spots in which the arachnids can flourish. 

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