The most common and dangerous kind of tick in the Terre Haute area is the black-legged deer tick. These ticks can be found in thick vegetation, tall grasses, and damp, wooded areas, as well as on humans and animals. Ticks can grow up to 6.35mm in length, although males are usually smaller than females. They have protruding heads, hard shields, and are flat until they have fed. The mouthparts of female deer ticks are used to puncture skin in order to feed on their hosts' blood, for breeding and survival.
Ticks are active all year long in Terre Haute because most ticks love the moderate climate of the area; the mild winters cause ticks to breed constantly, which makes for an excessive population of ticks in the spring.
Dangers Ticks Pose For Terre Haute Residents
It’s important to be aware of the dangers of ticks before they become a problem. Some ticks are known to cause Lyme disease, like the deer tick. This disease can trigger serious and sometimes long-term health problems that may include rashes, joint pain, nerve pain, numbness, inflammation, and short-term memory loss; additional heart and brain problems can also occur.
How To Prevent Transporting Ticks
Mice are common hosts for tick larvae, but tick nymphs usually attach either to humans or other small animals. Adults can be found feeding on the large population of deer in our area; this attributes to the way ticks are easily transported from place to place.
Tick prevention is essential in the prevention of Lyme disease; however, it is nearly impossible to rid entire yards and properties of every single tick, or animals that carry ticks. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent transporting ticks:
- Wear a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into socks when going outdoors.
- Apply tick repellent before spending time outside.
- Conduct a “tick check” before going back inside - for yourself, as well as for your children and pets.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Make sure your yard is free from leaf and brush piles.
- Place a stone border around your yard to help prevent some of the transfer of ticks into your yard.
How To Rid Your Yard Of Ticks
In the end, the most effective treatment solution will be to contact a professional home pest control service. Action Pest Control in Indiana can help by finding the most common areas that are attractive to ticks on and around your property. Our experienced technicians will treat those common areas outdoors, and then spot treat areas of concern inside your home, as well.
Our tick treatment options include either a single treatment, or one of our year-round residential Complete or Premier services. A reduced tick population on your property will allow you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in your Terre Haute yard again. For treatment before ticks take over this spring, contact Action Pest Control today!