The Ultimate Guide To Tick Prevention And Control In Meridian
October 16, 2023
Ticks are seasonal pests that have a large impact during the summer and autumn seasons of the year. They can cause many issues if they aren’t handled correctly or kept away from your property.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the basics of tick pest control in Meridian. First, we’ll go over some of the common types of ticks in the area and how they attach to new hosts. Then, we’ll talk about some of the most common tick-borne illnesses and what to expect. After that, we’ll walk through a few examples of tick prevention measures you can take while hiking to keep yourself safe from these pests.
Finally, we’ll talk about the most important part of tick control – getting rid of ticks around your property – and the best way to keep these pests from becoming a concern. Our dedicated team at Owyhee Environmental helps local residents with any pest concerns they might be facing.
How Common Ticks Get Around
To understand ticks in Meridian and how to control them, you should first know a little about the common types of ticks in the area and how they gain access to their hosts.
You are more likely to encounter two species of ticks in the Meridian area: the blacklegged tick and the American dog tick. Blacklegged ticks are also known as deer or bear ticks in certain parts of the country. They have an orange-brown body with dark legs, measuring between 1/16 to 1/8 inch long when unengorged. American dog ticks, also called wood ticks, are named for their preference for feeding on domestic dogs. They are usually brown with gray or white markings. They are generally around 3/16 of an inch long when unengorged.
Ticks often make their homes in piles of debris, tall, thick grass, leaf litter, and other similar areas. To get onto a new host, they will engage in a practice called “questing.” This involves the ticks grasping onto a tree branch, stalk of grass, or similar piece of greenery with their third and fourth pairs of legs while reaching out with their first pair of legs for a passing host. When a creature brushes against the greenery, the tick will then latch onto its new host, attaching to it and looking for an opportunity to feed. Ticks attached to pets are often brought into the home and may breed and transfer to humans.
In the next section, we’ll talk about one of the major concerns that come with tick infestations in Meridian – tick-borne diseases.
About The Top-Tick Borne Diseases
Ticks are known to carry a few unique diseases, so let’s talk about them so that you understand the impact they can have. Lyme disease is perhaps the most well-known of these illnesses.
Lyme disease spreads through infected tick bites. The most common indicator of this disease is a rash around the bite in the pattern of a bullseye. Lyme disease can cause severe headaches, joint pain and swelling, arthritis, and facial palsy.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is another common disease caused by ticks. This disease can cause rashes, fevers, headaches, chills, confusion, and many other issues. Both diseases can have severe long-term implications that can permanently impact your life if not treated properly.
Essential Tips For Tick Prevention While Out Hiking
While you can do things to keep ticks out of your yard, there isn’t much you can do about ticks in other places.
Here are some simple tick-prevention measures you can take when hiking or participating in other outdoor activities:
- Use an insect repellent that contains permethrin or DEET.
- Wear long sleeves and pants to cover as much body area as possible.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier.
- Inspect yourself, family members, and pets for ticks before going inside after an outdoor activity.
Following these steps should help keep yourself and your family safe from ticks this season. If you need help dealing with ticks in Meridian, don’t hesitate to contact Owyhee Environmental.
The Most Effective Tick Control For Your Property
For years, Owyhee Environmental has been helping homeowners like you get rid of all manner of pests. Our family-owned company focuses on getting the job done as quickly and safely as possible while maintaining high standards and reasonable pricing. We warranty our work, and we even offer emergency and same-day services for tick control in Meridian.
When it comes to organic tick control services, there’s no one better. Call Owyhee Environmental today to request a free quote and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Meridian.
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