Ticks can be just as deadly as mosquitoes and cause a lifetime of discomfort.
As summer quickly approaches, mosquitoes are not the only threat living in your yard. In fact, your yard may just be a tick(ing) time bomb. Ticks can be just as dangerous as mosquitoes, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious health issues. Warm weather not only creates the perfect environment for people, but also for ticks. With the large amounts of rainfall and warmer weather patterns, ticks in your yard should be an even greater concern for your family this year. Not only do they pose as a nuisance, but ticks can carry harmful diseases, such as Lyme disease.
Ticks are most active between the months of April and October when humidity is at its highest. Since ticks are incapable of drinking water, they rely on the moisture in the air to stay hydrated. To thrive in their habitat, ticks favor warmer wet climates and shady areas. They prefer wooded areas and coverage from vegetation, such as tall grass. A 2008 study done for the National Reference Laboratory for Tick-borne Diseases showed how climate change has affected the increase of ticks and tick-borne disease. With temperatures, humidity, and rainfall levels rising, many regions of the country are becoming a target for a tick infestation.
What makes ticks so dangerous is that they don’t show favoritism. They can be found on both humans and animals. In order to reproduce, ticks need a host to feed on. Ticks can sense their prey through vibrations, heat, and body odor. They can feed up to 10 days on a human. If they do carry an infectious disease, it can easily be transmitted to a person as they feed. Deer ticks are the primary carriers for Lyme disease. They are found everywhere from central United States to the East Coast.
The only way to prevent diseases like Lyme disease is through tick control. There are certain precautions you can take this summer to prevent ticks. Here are a few ways to get rid of ticks in your yard, and keep your family safe from tick bites.
If you have recently been in an area where ticks were likely to have been present, make sure to do a thorough tick check. Tick checks start from your ankle to the top of your head. If you happen to find a tick on you or your pets, make sure to use fine pointed tweezers to effectively remove the tick. Apple Cider Vinegar can also help free a tick from the skin. To keep your family and pets safe this summer, take these steps to get rid of ticks in your yard!