Ticks are a common threat to you, your pets, and your family. These insects carry different forms of bacteria that can affect your loved ones’ health.
What is Lyme disease, and what are its symptoms? This post is your guide to understanding ticks and why it’s crucial to keep an eye out for these insects.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
You can contract Lyme disease if you’re bit by a tick carrying the bacteria Borrelia burgodorferi.
Most people experience flu-like symptoms and a minor rash in the beginning stages of Lyme disease. However, leaving the condition untreated can result in neurological issues, heart problems, and arthritis pain.
Advice for Staying Away From Ticks
Deer and black-legged ticks are the most common carriers of the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Use the tips below to avoid them:
- Keep out of long grass.
- Wear long sleeve shirts, high socks, and pants in the wilderness.
- Use insect repellents with 10% to 30% DEET.
- Keep the grass around your home low.
- Monitor your skin for ticks regularly.
- Stick to the center of trails and walkways.
Tips for Tick Removal
If a tick bites you, remove the insect from your body as soon as you can. You can rely on tick removal tools or tweezers to get the job done. The important thing is that you get all parts of the tick out completely — making sure the mouth does not separate from the body:
- Grab a set of clean tweezers.
- Pinch the tick close to the head.
- Pull directly upward with consistent pressure.
- Continue this motion until the tick releases.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick by putting it in a plastic bag, covering it with tape, or dropping it down the toilet.
Facts About Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Lyme disease can surface anywhere from a few days to a month after getting bit. As many as 80% of U.S. Lyme disease cases start with a bullseye rash in the affected area.
Roughly 476,000 people contract Lyme disease every year, making it one of the most common illnesses that transfers between insects and humans in America.
Protect Your Home From Ticks Today
It’s impossible to know exactly what percentage of ticks carry Lyme disease in Pennsylvania. Still, the number of new Lyme disease cases each year makes it essential to have a plan for protecting your home from ticks. The experienced team at Quest Termite & Pest is here to help.
We’re a pest control company serving Lehigh, Northampton County, and the surrounding areas. We put in the extra effort to provide you with seasonal service in the fight against ticks. Reach out to us today to get a free over-the-phone consultation for tick management solutions!
