Learn About Ticks in New York and Massachusetts
Ticks are routinely categorized with insects, but these blood suckers are actually arachnids. They are related to scorpions, miters, and spiders.
Despite what many people believe, these blood feeders don’t fly or jump. Instead, they crawl up grass blades, shrubbery, and brush to lie in wait until they find a host to latch onto. These ectoparasites feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Tick bites pose a serious health risk to people and pets. Ticks carry numerous pathogens and potentially spread diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and more. One of the top priorities of many public health organizations is preventing tick bites and the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Professional pest control plays a significant role in managing risks.
Information on Tick Bites
Tick bites are typically painless, and many people don’t realize they have been bitten until they check their skin and find a tick attached and feeding on their blood. Bites may cause minor symptoms, including redness and swelling.
Caring for a bite starts with removing the tick. Use fine-tipped tweezers and grab the tick close to the skin. Pull it out gently and steadily in an upward motion. Take a picture of the tick to send to a healthcare provider and dispose of it before washing your hands and the bite.
How to Identify Ticks
Ticks belong to the arachnid family and are related to spiders and mites. In their larval stage, they have six legs. Nymphs and adults have eight legs. Size and color depend on the species, with most ticks ranging from the size of a grain of sand as a larva, sesame seed as a nymph, and pencil eraser as an adult. Once they feed, ticks grow larger. Body colors include gray, brown, reddish-brown, yellow, and black.
Hard ticks feature a scutum, which is a rigid plate on their backs, and a tapered bottom end to their bodies. Soft ticks have broad, non-tapered bodies and no rigid plate.
Understanding The Different Types of Ticks
About 850 different species of ticks can be found across the globe, and more than 90 live in the United States. Although spreading can bring new species into previously uninhabited areas, only three types of ticks are currently common in Massachusetts: black-legged, dog, and Lone Star ticks.
Deer Ticks
Also known as black-legged ticks, these pests carry Lyme disease, Powassan, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Borrelia miyamotoi. Adults and nymphs both bite humans and other animals, with the risk of getting bitten highest from spring through fall. Adults may be present during winter on warmer days.
Dog Ticks
This tick can spread conditions like tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Only the adult dog tick typically bites humans. Risks of getting bitten are highest in spring and summer.
Lone Star Ticks
The bite from a Lone Star tick has been linked to triggering a red meat allergy in some people. They also may spread ehrlichiosis, southern tick-associated rash illness, and tularemia.
Benefits of Professional Tick Control in New York and Massachusetts
Because ticks are so tiny, they are challenging to locate. Professional tick control with USX Pest doesn’t just eliminate ticks, it also reduces the risk of pathogens spreading illnesses to people and pets.
Our professionals have education, experience, and the right equipment to control infestations.
These insects are a constant threat. But with ongoing treatment, monitoring, and prevention, residential and commercial property owners reduce the odds of someone contracting a tick-borne illness.
Schedule a Free Inspection with USX Pest Control
All it takes is one tick bite to spread illness and disease. Contact us today to get a free inspection and a customized plan to keep your residential or commercial property safe and tick-free. If you need help right away, give us a call at 855-761-1550.