Most people don’t think about the unsettling fact that some pests can be clinging to you, feeding off you even, without you realizing it. Parasites like ticks are exactly this kind of pest, and their painless bites can pose far greater risks than just an itchy mark on the skin. Learning how you can avoid these parasites and act quickly to snuff them out will save you from having to learn these realities the hard way.
Tick Bites: What To Know
Unlike other bug bites, tick bites are usually painless and only cause minor symptoms. Itchy, red welts on the skin can appear within about an hour of the feeding, but people often don’t realize that a tick is crawling on them when the bite happens. Not only are ticks incredibly small and tough to spot, but they can also hide in the folds of skin or within clothing for long stretches of time, waiting for the right moments to feed on our blood. Ticks aren’t just a problem for people either; pets and wildlife can also be infested with them. In fact, animals have more hair on their bodies, which is attractive to ticks looking for ample fibers to cling to and coats to keep warm within.
Ticks Can Be Dangerous
Now, just because most tick bites are relatively painless doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. Some ticks can carry dangerous diseases, most famously Lyme disease, which can cause serious symptoms, hospitalization, and long-lasting effects. Because of their feeding habits, ticks and other parasites are uniquely adapted to transmitting diseases directly from one creature to the next, which is what makes them such health hazards. This is why tick populations on your property should be treated with the utmost urgency, and everyone should take care to both protect themselves from bites and also learn how to spot the worsening symptoms of a bite.
Signs Of Severe Tick Bites
Again, most tick bites result in a simple welt on the skin. Likely more than one, as ticks will feed in flocks. If you notice any of these symptoms following a tick bite, seek medical attention:
- Rash: One of the first signs of Lyme disease is a rash, which can spread all over the body and create a burning sensation.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness is another sign that can take hours or even days to develop after a tick bite.
- Nausea: If you notice nausea or vomiting following any bite, it’s a good sign that some sort of venom or pathogen has infected your bloodstream.
Tick Prevention For Your Property
Not only can ticks be dangerous, but they are also incredibly good at getting around. While they’re too small to travel far with their own legs, they simply let their hosts do the walking for them. People or animals often pick up ticks while walking outdoors, brushing past long enough for them to cling to skin or clothing. That’s why it’s important to take these steps while doing outdoor activities and trying to pest-proof your property:
- Protection: Covering your hands and legs can prevent ticks from accessing your skin to bite you. Some sprays or treated garments can also ward off biting pests.
- Landscaping: Around your property, keep plants and grasses trimmed low since ticks can wait on tall vegetation for people to brush by.
- Professional assistance: The best way to keep your property protected from ticks and other parasites is with routine treatments by pest experts. If ticks are already there, only proven treatments can get rid of them completely. Contact White Knight Pest Control today to get started.