When you think about ticks, one of the first things that come to mind is probably Lyme disease. While there are many other tick-borne illnesses, Lyme is one of the most well-known and also the most feared. And, there's a good reason for this, Lyme disease can be a very serious illness as it can potentially impact the nervous system, joints, and heart.
One big misconception about Lyme disease, however, is the idea that the ticks themselves are the ones that cause Lyme disease. In reality, they are just the carrier or vectors of the disease, it doesn't originate with them. Regardless of the exact biology of how the sickness is spread, it’s important to understand that a tick bite can cause Lyme disease or other serious illnesses.
Of the many tick species in Tampa, Florida, the deer tick is one of the most common vectors of this illness. Because of this, it’s important to know how to identify deer ticks. This pest is an orange-brown color with dark brown heads and legs. They have a hard outer shell and a flat, oval-shaped body.
Information About Deer Tick Bites
Deer ticks spend most of their time in dense vegetation such as shrubs or tall grasses where they wait for a host to pass by. Then, once they sense an animal or human, they wait for their chance to embed their heads if that host walks by.
While this is rather troubling to think about, it is worth noting that not every tick bite will result in Lyme disease or any other illness. However, because the risk is always there, it's important to know the signs of a bite and what to look out for.
While bite marks will look different from person to person, a common symptom of Lyme disease is a bulls-eye patterned rash that can develop outward from the sight of the bite or on other parts of the body. Many bites just look like small, red bumps, so it’s always best to get medical assistance if you notice a strange bug bite and don’t know where it came from.
Tick Prevention Tips
While it can be difficult to completely prevent ticks in Tampa, there are some things you can do to reduce the number of deer ticks and other species around your yard. Here are some of the best ways to make your property less appealing to these nasty pests:
- Remove organic debris including leaf and grass piles from around the lawn area.
- Keep bushes, tall grass, and other vegetation regularly trimmed and maintained.
- Store firewood neatly in an area that’s at least 30 feet from the exterior of your home.
- If you have pets, work with your vet to keep them safe from ticks.
- Wild animals can bring ticks into your priority. Deter wildlife pests by installing fences, storing pet food inside, and removing bird feeders.
The Best Way To Handle Tick Issues
If you suspect you have any symptoms of Lyme disease, it’s essential to get help from a healthcare professional right away.
However, if you are just looking to prevent tick problems in the future or remove any current ones, the most effective way to do so is with help from the experts at BOLD Servicing. We provide residential and commercial pest control plans. So, give us a call today to get started.