Although ticks provide certain ecological benefits such as assisting in population control within the animal world, unfortunately most ticks also rely on animals and humans as their only food source.
Of the near-900 species of ticks worldwide, some 90 species can be found in the U.S. Of these, five species of ticks are commonly found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: American dog tick, groundhog tick, blacklegged/deer tick, lone star tick, and the groundhog tick.
WHAT DO TICKS LOOK LIKE?
Adult ticks vary in size from 1-8 to 3/16 of an inch, and from red to brown in color depending upon the species. As adults, ticks have 8 legs which are kept folded close to the body while stationery. • Size: 1/8-3/16 inches long • Shape: Oval • Wings: N/A • Legs: 8 • Antennae: N/A • Color: Reddish-brown
WHERE DO TICKS LIVE?
Ticks are generally found in wooded areas, pastures, and parks. However, ticks can often be found in yards and sometimes in gardens.
WHAT DO TICKS EAT?
Contrary to belief, ticks are not insects. Rather, ticks are parasitic mites that actually feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, and humans.
DO TICKS BITE?
Yes.
As with the bed bug, ticks feed on a blood diet obtained from human and non-human hosts which is needed for survival as it passes through its various life stages.
ARE TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
Ticks can be considered aggressive since many types of ticks feed on animals and humans alike.
DO TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
In fact, ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of disease to humans. Some of the many diseases inflicted by ticks would include Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness), Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF), and Tularemia.
Ticks are also able to infect dogs and cats with these or other diseases.
Pennsylvania has led the nation in confirmed cases of Lyme disease for the past three years, according to the Department of Health, with 7,400 cases reported in 2014, representing an increase of 25 percent from the previous year.
Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently reported that the blacklegged (deer) tick has now been observed in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.
It is extremely important when hiking, camping or spending any time outdoors during tick season to always check for ticks on pets and people.
HOW TO DETECT TICKS
Tick infestations can occur indoors if a female tick is able to acquire a blood meal before or after entering inside, and then finds a secluded area to lay its eggs. This can lead to sizeable infestations since some ticks are known to lay up to 5,000 eggs.
Detecting ticks may require a thorough inspection of the premises very similar to that of a bed bug inspection, as ticks have the ability to hide behind baseboards, around windows and doors, in or underneath carpeting, and in and around upholstered furniture.
HOW TO PREVENT TICKS
Newtown Termite & Pest Control recommends the following precautions to help prevent tick problems:
OUTDOORS
• Keep lawns mowed • Remove brush and weeds • Eliminate plant beds near structures • Keep wood piles away from buildings • Keep trash cans covered • Keep outdoor furniture and toys away from wooded areas
INDOORS
Help prevent ticks from getting inside with these tips :
• Seal gaps around doors and windows • Inspect clothing before entering • Inspect pets regularly • Inspect bedding used by pets • Keep pets off of furniture
HOW TO PREVENT TICK BITES
Measures to reduce the chances of being bitten by ticks while outside include: • Wearing long pants • Wearing long-sleeved shirts tucked into pants • Tucking pants legs inside socks • Wearing a hat to prevent ticks in hair and scalp • Wearing light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see • Applying EPA-approved bug repellent
HOW TO TREAT FOR TICKS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we take tick problems seriously. That's why we employ a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing tick control for your home or business.
Our treatment process includes all of the areas where ticks ate known to hide, including cracks, crevices, around doors, windows, baseboards, carpeting, furniture, and pet areas.
We use only the finest professional-grade products available designed to kill ticks on contact as well as to provide long-lasting protection against future infestations.
