Commonly Asked Questions About Ticks In Meridian

What Exactly Is A Tick?

Ticks are part of the arachnid family of species. They have four pairs of legs and no antennae, like spiders and mites. There are hundreds of different types of ticks found in the United States, but only a handful cause the most concern. Here is a list of the most common tick species:

Blacklegged (Deer) Tick: This tick is around 1/8" in length and is orange or brown in color. Deer ticks have dark brown or black legs. These ticks are longer than they are wide.

American Dog Tick: This species is brown with gray or white markings. The design of their bristled legs helps them move efficiently through thick fur or hair. These ticks are between 3/16" and 5/8" in size.

Lone Star Tick: These bugs are reddish-brown when unfed and gray when engorged. They're between 1/6" and 1/2" in length with males being smaller than females. Females have a single white marking on their backs, and males have several white, horseshoe-shaped markings.

Brown Dog Tick: This tick species is reddish-brown to grayish-blue in color. These ticks are between 1/8" and 1/2" in size. Males have tiny dented markings on their backs.

If you notice any of these insects on your property, contact a tick extermination company, like Owyhee Environmental, as soon as possible.

Do Ticks In Meridian Bite?

The ticks in Meridian feed on the blood of various mammal hosts, and different species of ticks prefer different animals. Feeding takes several days, and ticks latch tightly onto their hosts. Many people find engorged ticks on their dog or cat after spending time in wooded areas. Some ticks will feed on humans, so it's important to take precautions to avoid tick bites.
 
Ticks carry and spread dangerous pathogens. The deer tick is the only species of tick that carries and spreads Lyme disease, which can have lifelong consequences if you get an infection. Some other diseases caused by ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Tick bites may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
 
Fortunately, most people that ticks bite don't experience any symptoms. We recommend having a medical professional examine the bite for any abnormalities to be safe. A telltale sign of Lyme disease is a tick bite with a bull's eye pattern surrounding the bitten area. One helpful tick prevention strategy is to wear clothing that fully covers your arms and legs when going on hikes or traveling through wooded areas. Avoid walking through patches of tall, wild grass, and check your pets for ticks before heading indoors.

Four Little Known Facts About Ticks

Ticks are interesting creatures but very worrisome pests. Here are four interesting facts you may not know about these bugs:

1. Female ticks can consume 100 times more than their male counterparts.

2. Ticks can survive cold conditions but will die if exposed to extreme heat.

3. There are over 850 different types of ticks across the world.

4. The best essential oils to repel ticks are rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass.

To get rid of ticks on your property, contact the experts at Owyhee Environmental.

What Can I Do To Remove Ticks From My Property For Good?

Owyhee Environmental is an expert in tick pest control in Meridian. We've been keeping local households free of ticks since 2019. To learn more about how we can help solve your tick problem, give us a call today.