The Answers To Alexandria's Most Common Tick Questions
June 15, 2021 - Ticks
Ticks are small arachnids with eight legs that rarely exceed ¼ of an inch that depend on humans’ blood or animals for survival. The most common ticks in Alexandria, VA include the black-legged or deer tick, the Lone Star tick, and the American dog tick. These pests do not fly or jump; therefore, they will position themselves in places where potential hosts will pass in close contact and climb onto them. Here, we will address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding ticks.
When Are Ticks Most Prevalent?
Ticks are found outdoors in this area during the spring and summer months, mostly from April through September. The tick population varies each year based on many factors, including host animals and weather conditions. The number of ticks tends to increase in years with milder winter weather.
How To Respond If A Tick Is On You?
Ticks are present on skin areas such as under the arms, between the legs, or near the ears. Removal should involve using tweezers to lift the entire body from the skin steadily. The area should be washed with soap, water, and an antiseptic applied if available.
What Are The Effects Of A Tick Bite?
Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, bacterial infections such as ehrlichiosis, and many other conditions. If one bites you, please dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, wrapping tightly in a sealable container, or flushing it down the toilet. If symptoms arise, promptly seek medical attention.
How Can I Avoid Ticks?
- Keep grass trimmed, limit piles of leaves, overgrown vegetation, and other debris throughout the property.
- Permethrin is an insecticide that can be applied to clothing, footwear, and gear to repel ticks.
- The CDC recommends repellants that include IR3535, DEET, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants to prevent direct access to your skin.
- Create physical barriers that deter deer from passing through and clean up spilled bird food that might attract them.
- Promptly and thoroughly inspect your body, belongings, and pets after outdoor activities for any sign of ticks and shower shortly after working in gardens, hiking, hunting, or other outdoor areas.
Do I Need Assistance From A Professional Exterminator?
The do-it-yourself treatment options on the market today for ticks often make lofty claims of rapidly eliminating dozens of additional pests, including fleas, spiders, grubs, and more. These various products are aggressively promoted online and in stores in many forms, such as granular lawn formulas, foggers, powders, and concentrated sprays. Unfortunately, many property owners experience very disappointing or short-term results that fail to meet professional standards.
Ticks are among the most potentially harmful pests that target people and their pets. They are often extremely resilient to repellants and pesticides and challenging to detect. Having assistance from a seasoned pest control professional is critical to successfully eradicating ticks.
Leading Provider Of Pest Control Services In Alexandria
The team of qualified specialists at Matar Termite & Pest Control has been solving pest-related problems such as intrusions from bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches in Northern Virginia since 1991. Our company is family-owned and uses the latest techniques and innovative treatment options to effectively remove pests from homes and businesses. We adhere to organizations’ safety recommendations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Pest Management Association.
Our technicians develop a comprehensive plan that includes an interior and exterior inspection, prompt treatment, and diligent follow-up. Based on your needs, we can provide ongoing protection that involves monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly treatment visits to the property to prevent problems from developing. For a complimentary inspection and estimate, contact us today.
