It is tick season in Texas and the number one concern during tick season is the diseases they may be carrying. One disease ticks carry that can be transmitted to humans is Lyme disease. A-Tex Pest Management will share a few facts about ticks and the diseases they carry and how you can prepare for this coming tick season.
Lyme Disease Prevalence by Area
Most reported cases of ticks spreading Lyme disease are in the Midwest and northeastern parts of the States. However there are a dozen reported cases each year in Texas and especially throughout the Golden Triangle regions which are through Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas. Where there are fewer reported cases of Lyme disease caused by ticks in Texas, it would appear to be spreading further throughout the lower states, which is alarming researchers.
Black Legged Ticks
One of the species of tick found carrying Lyme disease is the black-legged tick. Black-legged ticks are active during different stages of their life. Adult black-legged ticks are most active during the fall and winter seasons, whereas the nymphs are active during the spring and summer seasons. However, regardless of the stage of the black legged tick’s life, they are still capable of infecting people with Lyme disease. This makes ticks truly a year-round problem.
Symptoms & Treatment of Tick Bites
For those who ever been bitten by a tick that carried Lyme disease, they tell us they had a fever, headache, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. It is important if you have been bitten by a tick to seek medical aid, especially with these first warning signs that might mean you have Lyme disease. If left untreated Lyme disease will spread to your heart, bones or nervous system and cause serious health problems. If you begin to have any one of those early symptoms within 30 days of being bitten, go to your doctor who will prescribe you antibiotics.
Tick & Lyme Disease Prevention
There are some ways to prevent being bitten by ticks which can help reduce any chances of contracting Lyme disease. First, ticks like to live in or on grass, trees and bushes, and typically in moist, shaded areas. Maintain your yard and prevent over-saturation during watering. Also, keep the grass short around the foundation of your home. This helps keep ticks from wandering in too close to your home. When outdoor activities are planned, wear long pants and long sleeve shirts to help protect your skin. Additionally, use insect repellent on both your body and your clothing before any outdoor activity. Use insect repellent that contains the ingredient “DEET” which is best to repel ticks. It is also wise, after spending time outdoors, to shower and inspect your clothing for any passengers that may have crawled on your clothing or hair. Pets can also become a victim of ticks and carry them into your home. Make sure you regularly bathe your pet, inspect for ticks, and use tick repellent spray and collars for them as well.
Tick Inspection, Prevention, Control & Extermination in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
A-Tex Pest Management wants to help make all of our customers throughout the Austin Texas area aware of black Legged ticks and the harmful diseases they may carry. If you want more help or advice in keeping your home safe from ticks, contact A-Tex Pest Management today.