Many of our friends and neighbors in Wichita know that ticks are a dangerous pest to tango with, especially during the earlier spring months. These creatures are destructive to human health, difficult to spot, and downright dangerous when latched onto human skin.
Despite their ease of recognizability, ticks are a pest that many people have questions about, from feeding habits to diseases to everything in between. It can be difficult to find the right kind of information online from a reputable pest control source. That’s why Alta Pest Control is proud to offer a comprehensive guide about the most commonly asked questions about ticks in the Wichita area.
What Time Of Year Are Ticks The Worst?
Ticks in the Wichita area are mostly year-round, especially thanks to warmer winters and relatively mild cold snaps. You will be hard-pressed to find ticks during the thick of winter, but make no mistake: you can find these insects prowling around fields and forests at any time of year.
Do Ticks Jump On You?
Ticks cannot jump like fleas, but they are able to latch themselves to their hosts by using what is known as ‘questing behavior.’ Ticks will locate a particular area that seems to have a higher concentration of mammalian activity. Crawling up to the tip of tall grass, ticks will raise their arms out and wave them in the air in front of them hoping to connect with a warm-blooded host. If successful, the tick will latch to the host and begin to feed.
What Do I Do If I Find A Tick On Me?
If the tick is still attached, use a set of tweezers and some rubbing alcohol to sterilize the area. Place the tweezers as close to the tick’s head as possible, and gently pull them straight out of the skin. Watch for clear signs of tick disease spread, such as a ‘bull's eye’ rash around the bite, or feelings of nausea or fatigue. Immediately seek medical attention if said side effects occur.
How Do I Know If I Got Bit By A Tick?
If you find a bright red spot on your skin or find a tick latched onto some part of your body, you may safely assume to have been bitten by a tick.
How Do You Prevent Ticks From Getting On You?
You can keep ticks off your clothing and out of your yard using a variety of prevention tips. Protect both yourself and your property with the following points:
- Wear long clothing when in areas that may have a high volume of ticks.
- Tuck your pants into your socks to make a semipermeable barrier against tick activity.
- Keep the lawn free and clear of leaf litter, lawn equipment, or other items that could be providing shelter for ticks.
- Trim the lawn frequently, taking care to prune back shrubs, cut infringing tree branches, and eliminate high weed beds.
What Should I Do If Ticks Are Really Bad In My Yard?
Spotting the occasional tick or two on your lawn is nothing out of the ordinary, but developing a full-blown infestation may dramatically affect the health and safety of your Wichita friends and family members. To answer more of your tick-related questions, or to discover professional-grade tick prevention from your local professionals, contact the winning team at Alta Pest Control. Our crew is standing by to help with any form of tick infestation, and develop a pest prevention strategy that takes every aspect of your home into consideration. Call us today at Alta Pest Control to get started, or to book a home inspection at your earliest convenience. We’re looking forward to serving you well!
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