Do you hear it? The tick, tick, tick of a ticking bomb, set to go off this summer? Or, more specifically, a “tick” bomb. Experts are saying there is a good chance we’re going to see a lot more ticks this year. And, when tick populations explode, so do the number of cases of tick-borne diseases. The recent death of a toddler in Indianapolis from a case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (a pathogen spread by ticks) is just one of many tragedies that have come as a result of a disturbing rise in tick-borne diseases in the United States. That is why this summer, it is even more important to take precautions.
Choose Locations Wisely
If you plan to go hiking, camping, fishing, or to engage in some other outdoor recreation, try to avoid bushes and grassy areas unless you have proper protection. Ticks wait on grass and leaves to cling onto you as you go by.
Personal Protection
Ticks don’t fall from the branches of trees to get into your hair. They climb up your body. When you go out into nature, here are a few things you can do to reduce risk:
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Wearing bright colors will help you see ticks as they crawl up.
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Tucking your pant legs into your socks or a pair of tall boots, will make it harder for ticks to get to your skin.
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Many insect repellents work to make ticks fall off, if they get on. Spray repellent on your legs and feet to ward off tick bites on the rest of your body.
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Always check for ticks when you come back from being in nature.
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If you have a pet, make sure you consult your veterinarian about tick-control products. Pet owners, especially dog owners, have a higher risk for tick-borne illness.
Pest Control
If you live in a bubble, you don’t have to worry about ticks. But, since most of us don’t live in a bubble, we have to make choices that reduce our risk of contact with ticks. And, simply staying inside the house isn’t enough. Ticks can come into a home on unwanted furry animals. If you have seen mouse dropping in the backs of your drawers or cabinets, you could get a secondary infestation of ticks. A single mouse can have several dozen ticks which they will spread around your home as they search for food. When you have ongoing pest control that works to seal rodents out of your home, you increase your protection against tick-borne diseases.
If you need assistance with pest information or pest services and you live in our Tennessee service area, let the pest control specialists here at Russell’s Pest Control reduce ticks in your yard, and keep ticks out of your home. Together we can protect ourselves from tick-related illness.
How To Avoid Ticks in Knoxville TN
Serving East Tennessee since 1971
