Pests are something that we all live with. Ideally, they are nuisances we only meet outdoors. If you come across them in your home it is always a good idea to call the pest control company. They will know the most effective way to eliminate them and help to ensure they don’t come back.
The good news is that most pests are harmless.
For example, flies buzz around you and irritate but, although they can carry disease, they are generally not an issue. The same can be said for ants. But, ticks are a different matter.
The Tick
Ticks are technically classed as spiders as they have four legs. They are generally flat and are capable of sitting motionless on a blade of grass for an extended period. When you or your pets brush past them the tick walks onto your skin. It then finds a soft spot to bite and starts sucking your blood. When it is full, it will drop off your skin and be ready to reproduce.
That’s unpleasant but usually painless. In fact, in many cases, it is simply an inconvenience. But, some ticks are capable of carrying Lyme Disease.
In fact, there are two species of tick capable of carrying and spreading Lyme Disease:
Deer Tick
The deer tick is often referred to as the black-legged tick because it has black legs and a brown body. It’s mainly found where there are trees as it needs deer to host them while they reproduce.
They are active from late spring to early autumn and are most likely to step onto you at knee height.
Western Blacklegged Tick
The western black-legged tick looks very similar to the deer tick. In fact, you’re unlikely to be able to tell them apart without a magnifying glass. The main difference between these two types of tick is that the deer tick is found on the eastern coast of the US and the western black-legged tick sticks to the western coast!
It should be noted that the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain tick, the brown dog tick, and even the lone star tick do not carry Lyme Disease.
Removing A Tick
If you find a tick on you it will start sucking your blood. During the process bacteria can enter your bloodstream, effectively passing on the disease. However, because the tick is so small, it can take up to 24 hours for enough bacteria to be transmitted to cause an infection.
That means after you have been walking in tall grass and trees, check your body carefully. If you discover a tick you’ll want a pair of tweezers or a dedicated tick remover. You can then grip the tick firmly and pull it straight off your body. Don’t wriggle it and always use tweezers or a tick remover. This ensures it comes off whole. If it doesn’t and you leave a piece in you it can become infected.
Remember, Lyme disease cause headaches, fatigue, and a rash. If treated early recovery is much faster, within 2-4 weeks. If you think you’ve been bitten by a tick that could carry Lyme disease, keep an eye out for the symptoms and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
