Pest Control and Termite Control Specialists

Ticks

Ticks are parasites that feed on animal and human blood.

Where are they found?

Ticks lake humid, moist, bushy areas. Eggs are laid in leaf matter or mulch. Ticks rely on passing animals to feed on and transport. Ticks may drop onto clothing after brushing bushes or trees, or fall from over hanging branches, especially around cloths lines.

How can ticks affect humans?

Ticks inject a toxin that may cause local irritation or a mild allergic reaction, how ever most tick bites cause little or no symptoms. In some cases ticks can pose a serious threat to human health. Early symptoms of tick paralysis can include rashes, headache, fever, flu like symptoms, tenderness of lympnodes, unsteady of gait, intolerance to bright light, increased weakness of the limbs and partial facial paralysis. At the site of the bite there maybe a black scab or eschar. Clinical diagnosis is confirmed by specific blood tests. Tick typhus is treated with antibiotics.

How to reduce the risk of being bitten

When outside gardening, wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants tucked into socks and a wide brimmed hat. When inside check behind your ears, on the back of the head, groin, armpits and back of knees.

Many dogs are infested each year and can often die from tick paralysis.