Date Posted: October 9, 2021
Category: Ticks
While there are many pests with a bad reputation, ticks are particularly hated and feared. These tiny creatures are actually arachnids, not insects, so they are closely related to spiders and scorpions. And, they can be just as, if not more, dangerous.
Ticks are one of the more dangerous pests in Connecticut because of their ability to spread disease. Some of the illnesses they can spread include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the notorious Lyme disease. And, while not all tick bites will lead to sickness, the risk is always there, so it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself from being bitten.
Identifying Ticks In The Area
Connecticut is home to many different tick species, but the most prevalent are deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks), brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.
Deer ticks have dark brown heads and legs and reddish-orange abdomens, while brown dog ticks are reddish-brown and usually use dogs as hosts. Lastly, lone star ticks are dark reddish-brown, and the females of the species have a single white dot on their backs.
Because ticks are harmful to both people and animals, this guide will help you protect both yourself and your property from them.
Where Will You Find Ticks?
When ticks bite, they imbed their heads into the body of a host in order to consume their blood. They wait in tall brush and other plants for a human or animal to walk by as they are able to sense the carbon dioxide that other living creatures give off. So, when a host walks close by, they will hitch a ride and attach.
Overall, ticks are of particular concern when in the wilderness, but they can also live around your property. This is especially true if you have pets, but even other wildlife and rodents can bring ticks around.
Six Tick Prevention Steps
Because ticks can cause so many issues, taking steps to prevent them is key. You can follow measures to deter ticks from around your property, such as:
- Cleaning up yard debris such as leaf piles and grass clippings.
- Making it more difficult for wildlife to get into your property by installing fences.
- Storing pet food indoors and removing bird feeders.
- Working with your vet to protect any pets you have.
- Trim brush, bushes, and other plants around your yard on a regular basis.
- Rodents often carry ticks, so focusing on keeping them away is a good idea. Start by cleaning up kitchen spaces and always wiping up food spills right away. Then, make sure to cover all trash cans with lids.
To keep yourself from being bitten while outdoors, try to wear long sleeves and pants and avoid going off trails into the densely packed brush. You can also use tick-prevention products to treat your clothing and gear. When you get home, make sure to check your body, pets, and gear for ticks, too.
The Best Tick Prevention Help Around
The overall best way to keep ticks away from your property is with assistance from Big Blue Bug Solutions. Our pest control plans will keep away wildlife and rodents, which often bring ticks around, and we can also address tick problems specifically. With over 80 years of experience, you can rely on our experience and expertise.
Find out more about our different pest control services by giving us a call today. We even offer free inspections to make it as easy as possible for you to get started.
