How to Avoid Lone Star Ticks in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area
If you go camping or hiking, you’ve probably come across a tick or got home and found one on your body or clothing. They can even show up when you’re spending time with your family in your backyard. If you haven’t been bitten by a tick before, it might be hard to see why the lone star tick is something to take seriously. Among one of the most aggressive ticks, the lone star tick is something to be concerned about as a resident in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Wondering where the lone star tick lives and how to keep yourself safe? Let’s get started with how to identify the lone star tick.
What is a lone star tick?
The lone star tick lives in Texas and other states in the East and Southeast. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, tick season begins in late spring and continues into early fall. You are most likely to encounter ticks when walking in an area that is naturally infested with ticks, like tall grass or heavy vegetation. Wildlife that ventures into your yard can leave ticks behind that otherwise were not on your property. Since the white-tailed deer is a preferred host of the lone star tick, you’ll also find the tick in areas with large deer populations. The lone star tick is especially simple to distinguish from other ticks because of the white spot on the middle of the tick.
Why are lone star ticks dangerous?
The lone star tick is aggressive, and its bites can be more painful than other tick bites. A bite from a lone star tick can lead to inflammation and swelling. It can also lead to disease. One unique but unpleasant possible outcome is a meat allergy. Even if you’ve eaten meat all of your life, one lone star tick bite could cause your immune system to overreact. More common diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and tularemia. The ticks can transmit these diseases to humans and other animals, so you should consider lone star tick removal to keep you, your family, and your pets safe.
How can I prevent lone star ticks in my yard?
One way to keep the lone star tick away is to maintain your lawn. Ticks in general, love thick vegetation and grasses. If possible, mow regularly to keep your grass short. Without blades of grass to latch onto, the ticks will move elsewhere. You should also be careful about any vegetation in your yard. While you can still have a garden, consider spreading out the plants so that they don’t create an environment that attracts ticks.
When spending time outdoors, try using store bought products that include DEET. DEET can mask your scent, which repels ticks. Not only can it protect you from ticks, but it can also keep away other insects such as mosquitoes. When you’re outside, wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself. Minimizing the amount of exposed skin can reduce your risk of tick bites. Wearing closed-toed shoes can also help. After you spend extended periods of time outdoors, check yourself for ticks before going back indoors. Ticks prefer to latch onto areas of the body that are warm such as armpits, behind ears, and the groin area.
If you have pets, be sure to check them for ticks regularly. On dogs, ticks usually migrate under ears and between toes. Dogs constantly brush against grasses and foliage on the ground when on walks, so tick bites are even more likely.
Why does tick control pricing vary between companies?
If you find ticks on your pets or family after spending time in your yard, it’s time to start investing in a tick prevention program. As you look for the right company, you may see varying prices for the same service. Is there a difference?
Some companies offer a guarantee that involves multiple visits. If you still have a tick problem after the first visit, most companies will come back for another treatment. The cost of materials, staffing, and professional training may influence the overall cost of the service.
How can Certified get rid of ticks in my yard?
To prevent being bitten by lone star ticks, try using repellent that has the active ingredient DEET, covering up exposed legs and arms, keeping your lawn short, and regularly checking your pet for ticks. For more effective and ongoing maintenance plans, Certified Termite & Pest Control will guarantee that you have consistent coverage at your home with our service. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on this page for a free tick inspection!
