Though many people assume ticks are only a problem during the summer months, they can be active year-round. Avoiding ticks is important no matter the season, and taking special precautions could keep you and your pets safe from the damage these pests can cause.
Why Are Ticks So Dangerous?
Ticks are parasitic insects that feed on warm-blooded animals. Unlike other parasitic insects that leave shortly after biting, ticks will attach themselves to their host and feed for up to 10 days after its initial bite. Not only does this make for an unnerving and potentially painful experience, but it also leaves you vulnerable to a wide variety of diseases and infections. Here are just a few of the problems ticks can cause:
- Rash or swelling
- Small blisters
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Lyme disease
- Other serious diseases
Best Ways to Avoid Ticks
Remaining cautious year-round is a good way to keep yourself and your pets safe from the damage that ticks can cause. Though these insects are small and hard to spot, there are some tricks you can use to avoid them. Here are our top tips for avoiding ticks:
- Avoid grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks tend to live in grassy or wooded areas. Walking directly through thick vegetation can increase your risk of encountering a tick. Should you travel through a forest, try to stick to the center of the trail to avoid brushing up against a tick.
- Before coming inside, check your pets, clothing, and gear. Carefully inspecting everything before coming indoors can help you eliminate any ticks that jumped onto your belongings. When checking your pet, be sure to look in difficult-to-reach areas such as between the toes and inside the ears.
- Shower and check for ticks shortly after being outdoors. Showering right after coming indoors can help you wash away unattached ticks, and it gives you the opportunity to thoroughly check yourself. When performing a tick check, be sure to check everywhere – including the backs of your legs, your hair, and around your ears.
- Consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be effective against ticks. As with any chemical product, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take extra precautions around pets or animals.
These tips are a great starting point for protecting yourself and your pets from ticks. However, if you have any questions or concerns about ticks and other common pests, the experts at United Pest Solutions can help! Our professionals have extensive experience with all sorts of pests in the Pacific Northwest, and we take pride in keeping households throughout the greater Bellevue WA area safe from the damage that these creatures can cause. Give us a call today to get started!