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Hello and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I am Dave Novak, and on this episode we’re talking about ticks, and why they’re a serious problem and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals. They are found in many parts of the United States, and their numbers are increasing as we have seen in Northeast Ohio. Mild winters and the amount of wildlife pressure in neighborhoods have all contributed to the increase in this pest.
There are several reasons why ticks are a serious problem. First, they can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, just to name a few. These diseases can be life-threatening, and they can cause a variety of other health problems. In my personal experience, I have known a couple people who have had to deal with Lyme disease over the years and it can be a nightmare to deal with.
Second, ticks can be difficult to see and remove. They are often very small, and they can hide in tall grass, leaves, and other vegetation. If you try to remove a tick yourself, you may not be able to get the whole tick out, which can increase your risk of getting sick.
Third, ticks can be a nuisance. They can bite both humans and animals, and they can cause itching and irritation. Ticks can also be a serious health threat to your dog – let’s talk about that for a few minutes. The disease that people hear the most about is Lyme Disease – and that one is a bacterial infection that can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs including fever, lameness, joint swelling and them being very lethargic. If left untreated Lyme disease can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. The Rocky Mountain spotted fever is also a bacterial infection that can cause a high fever, rash and headache. This disease, if left untreated can be fatal to your pet. Anaplasmosis falls into the bacterial infection category that can cause fever, loss of appetite and it too can be fatal. If you find a tick on your dog, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. You can use a tick removal tool or tweezers to remove the tick. Be sure to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and to pull it out slowly and steadily. Once the tick is removed, you should wash the area with soap and water.
After you have removed the tick, you should monitor your dog for signs of illness. If you notice any of the symptoms we have talked about, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
There are a number of things you can do to protect your dog from ticks, including:
- Use a tick prevention medication. There are a number of different tick prevention medications available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars.
- Check your dog for ticks regularly. You should check your dog for ticks after they have been outside, especially if they have been in areas where ticks are common.
- Avoid areas where ticks are common. If you can, avoid taking your dog to areas where ticks are common, such as tall grass, wooded areas, and areas where deer are present.
Now, If you have ticks in your yard, it is important to have them treated by a professional to protect you and your pets. There are several reasons for this:
- Professional pest control companies have the experience and expertise to effectively treat for ticks.
- They use safe and effective methods that will not harm your family or pets.
- They can help you to prevent ticks from coming back.
- It is what they do – so trust a professional to help protect you and your loved ones from this pest
In addition to having your property treated by a professional, there are a few things you can do to prevent ticks:
- Keep your lawn mowed short.
- Remove leaf litter and other debris from your yard.
- Plant tick-repelling plants, such as lavender, mint, and echinacea.
- Apply tick repellent to yourself and your pets when you go outside.
- Check yourself and your pets for ticks after you come inside.
Ticks are a serious problem, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. By having your property treated by Prevention Pest Control and taking preventive measures, you can help to keep ticks out of your yard and prevent them from transmitting serious diseases.
Well, that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. We hope you enjoyed it – You can reach us anytime at preventionpestcontrol.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203. Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast – thanks for listening and remember – An ounce of Prevention is all it takes for a pest free home!
