Ticks are a dangerous and unfortunately abundant pest in Washington. As such, when protecting people and property, pest control in Kittitas County often has to take ticks into account. There are many kinds of ticks; however, the three most prevalent species of ticks in the Kittitas County area are American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and Rocky Mountain wood ticks.
You can distinguish these ticks from one another by their coloring. American dog ticks are reddish-brown with tan, marbled markings. Once they have fed, they turn grey-blue or olive green in color. Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, are orange-brown with a black spot and black legs. These ticks darken when they are engorged. Rocky Mountain wood ticks look a lot like American dog ticks; however, their bodies are a neutral brown in color rather than red-brown.
Characteristics Of Common Ticks
Ticks are arachnids, just like spiders and scorpions. They are parasitic pests, meaning they feed off of other living creatures in order to sustain their lives. The animals that ticks feed on are called hosts. Ticks require warm blood meals to grow and reproduce. Before a tick eats, they appear like small, flat, ovals. When ticks are freshly fed, they are engorged into round, pimple-like shapes.
Ticks detect their hosts by sensing their breathing, body warmth, and movement. Once they have identified their target, ticks latch on and bury their mouthparts into their host. Once they are stuck in, ticks are able to drink their fill, usually undetected due to their tiny stature.
The Dangerous Diseases Ticks Are Known To Spread
Since ticks feed on blood, they are capable of transmitting diseases between hosts. Two diseases that ticks are infamous for spreading are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that causes headache, fever, fatigue, and rashes. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints and the nervous system. Only early diagnosis and professional medical intervention can treat Lyme disease.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is also a bacterial illness. It causes fever, headache, swelling, and a pox-like rash. In some cases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can lead to long-term neurological issues or organ damage. Professional medical intervention is the only way to treat Rock Mountain spotted fever.
Five No-Nonsense Tick Prevention Tips For Around Your Yard
The best form of tick control is tick prevention. Below, are five easy tips Kittitas County residents can employ to prevent ticks in their yards:
- Keep grass cut low to decrease places for ticks to hide.
- Avoid leaving wood piles or lawn debris in your yard.
- Keep pathways clean and tidy.
- Avoid attracting wildlife to your yard with trash or food, as they often carry ticks into your yard.
- Always inspect yourself and your pets after being outside.
These tips will give you a head start on ticks that may be lurking around your Kittitas County property.
Professional Pest Control Is The Best Tick Control
If you have seen a tick on yourself, a family member, or a pet, then there are likely more ticks in your yard. An active tick infestation requires professional intervention. The best way to get rid of ticks in Kittitas County is to partner with Prosite. Prosite offers consultations, inspections, and follow-ups to ensure that you and your property are well taken care of. Additionally, we offer year-round treatment plans rooted in science. Trust Prosite and gain peace of mind today!