Some pests are easier to understand than others. Ants, for instance, are well known for the way they work together to lift large objects, the nests they build underground, and the way they steal food from homes. Ticks are a bit more mysterious. You might know a few things about these pests, but we would bet that you do not have the answers to all of Pensacola’s most commonly asked tick questions. Are you a tick expert? Let’s find out now.
What Time Of Year Are Ticks The Worst?
Ticks in Pensacola are a problem year-round due to our constantly high temperatures. These pests are most problematic, however, during the mid-summer months between May and August. This is when nymphs (young ticks) are most active. If you didn’t know, research shows that young ticks are most likely to spread Lyme disease, an illness that is difficult to treat and has serious side effects, some of which can last for life.
Are Ticks Dangerous?
Yes, but not every tick poses a threat to human health. Only those that bite infected people or animals are. Most often ticks pick up dangerous diseases from animals like deer, raccoons, and bears. They then spread these sicknesses to people and their pets. One of the most harmful diseases people contract from ticks is Lyme disease. This infectious condition involves symptoms including fever, chills, headache, joint aches, and fatigue. More serious and lasting conditions include nerve problems, swelling joints, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and heart problems. This is all made worse by the fact that Lyme disease is nearly impossible to identify without the vector that spread it.
What Should You Do If You Find A Tick On You?
There is a right and a wrong way to remove ticks from your skin. If you find one of these pests with their head buried into your arm, leg, or body, here is what you need to do. Grab a pair of tweezers. Place the pinchers as close to your skin as possible and pinch down. Once you have a firm grip pull straight back with steady pressure. Do not twist or bend the tweezers as you do this as this could leave the tick's head lodged beneath your skin. Finally, once the tick is out, store it inside a plastic bag. This will give doctors something to study if you start showing symptoms of Lyme disease, and help them identify the best way to treat you.
How Do You Stop Ticks From Biting You?
If you plan on traveling outside through an area that might have ticks, here are some simple tips and tricks to reduce your chances of getting bitten.
- Wear long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
- Avoid walking through tall grass and thick undergrowth as much as possible.
- Apply bug spray to your clothing and body. Use natural tick repellant if you don’t like chemical-based products.
- Take a piece of heavy-duty tape and wrap it around each of your legs with the sticky side facing outward.
What Should You Do If Ticks Invade Your Home?
Finding a tick on your body is one thing. Finding these pests crawling around your yard and home is a whole different story. If you are having trouble with ticks inside your Pensacola home, do not hesitate to get the professionals at EnSec involved. Our team of dedicated experts has what it takes to eliminate and prevent dangerous ticks. Contact us now to learn more about our Pensacola pest control options and schedule your property for a service visit.