The CDC predicted tick bites to continually increase this year and, as the weather cools, this is certainly the case. It’s during the cool weather that ticks will seek warm bodies and warm locations on and in which to dwell. As November and December roll in, ticks will be as fierce as ever here in South Carolina, and it’s extremely important to protect yourself against them.
The higher the tick population, the more we’ll see an increase in bites. Both animals and humans are susceptible. There are different types of ticks, each having their potential risks. The most common ones in South Carolina are the deer tick, the lone-star tick, the American dog tick, and the brown dog tick. For more information about each of these ticks, please read our previous blog titled Most Common Ticks In South Carolina.
Tick bites can spread many diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases are treatable if caught early, however, with many cases of tick-borne diseases, the person never even notices a tick on their body. Therefore, it’s very important to know what you're looking for when spot-checking yourself or someone you love.
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to consult your doctor:
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Muscle or joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms
Ticks often gain entrance to a home by hitching a ride on people, pets, and even rodents that have found a way inside. They are tiny in size and difficult to see. They do become engorged after feeding, which makes them more easily noticed. Ticks are often picked up while walking through tall grass or wooded areas. They aren’t able to jump or fly, so they brush off a person or animal as they walk along a path or through brush. They may end up on a shoe or pant leg, and crawl along until they find a satisfactory feeding zone for their blood meal. It’s common not to feel anything when bitten, which is why many tick bites go unnoticed.
You should always protect yourself against ticks. The use of bug sprays or permethrin can aid in this effort. Also, doing full-body checks after being outdoors and washing your clothes immediately after will help prevent bites. This also prevents ticks from wandering off your clothes and settling into your home. Contact your veterinarian to learn how to protect your pets from ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Some circumstances help to encourage a larger tick population on your property ticks. If you have lots of wildlife around the number of ticks in your yard will likely increase. Allowing grasses to grow tall puts you at greater risk. Wooded areas are also prime spaces in which ticks like to lie in wait.
Pest control professionals can help you out and take some of the worries away. If you live in our service areas in South Carolina, contact Aiken Pest Control today. Our pest professionals will inspect your home and determine the best pest control service and prevention method that suits your needs.