If you live in Texas you’re living with ticks, and they can pose a serious threat to humans. The diseases that ticks carry can have a wide-reaching impact. A-Tex Pest Management identifies the four species of tick found in Greater Austin, Texas to help you know which species you may be dealing with on your property.
Texas Tick Identification
1. Black-legged Ticks. These ticks can be 3-5 mm in size. The female will have a moon-shaped coloration that is usually brownish orange in color. This coloration separates the top of its back from the bottom of its back. This tick is the one responsible for spreading the notorious Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics if it’s discovered early but left untreated can lead to many health problems that can last a lifetime.
2. Lone Star Ticks. Named after the state it resides in, this tick measures 3 to 4 mm and has one white or yellow mark on its back. These ticks are the ones that are responsible for spreading STARI, an illness that can lead to a lifelong allergy to red meat.
3. American Dog Ticks. These ticks are brown with a white to gray marking. They measure about 5 mm until they are fed, where they can measure 15 mm. These ticks prefer animals but can affect humans as well. They can cause Rocky Mounted spotted fever in humans.
4. Brown Dog Ticks. These ticks measure 3mm but can get as big as 12 mm when they are fed. They are attracted to dogs mainly and rarely feed on humans. Because they mainly target dogs, they are the ones that are most often found in homes.
Protection from Ticks for Humans & Pets
Ticks that have not reached their adult stage are very small. One mouse can have up to 100 of them. Rodents are therefore an easy way for them to get into our homes. If you are having problems with rodents, you need to get it taken care of as soon as possible. The diseases that ticks carry do not transfer right away. If you discover a tick feeding, you need to remove it the right way to prevent the chance of infection. Use tweezers to carefully grab the tick by its head as close to the skin as possible and pull straight back. You can also purchase a tick removal tick. Ticks will hide in areas that are shaded and moist. These areas are bushes, shrubs and outdoor structures. Have these areas treated by professionals to lower the threat of ticks. Ticks won’t wander into your home on their own. They will hitch a ride. Preventing ticks on your property will reduce the chance they will make it into your home. Owning pets in areas with ticks means you’ll need to treat them regularly. There are tick control products you can get. Keep your yard well-kept to avoid tall grassy areas where ticks hang out or contain your pets to certain areas of your yard. If you like to feed birds with a bird feeder, you may be increasing the risk of ticks.
Keep trash well contained to avoid attracting wildlife that may be carrying ticks.
Tick Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
It’s not possible to guarantee a tick-free yard, but pest control professionals can do a lot to reduce the tick population to nearly zero. A-Tex Pest Management is knowledgeable in Texas ticks and can provide the most effective pest management possible. Give us a call today!