Although tick bites in Yakima County don't always hurt, they can cause serious problems. It's important to understand the implications of a tick bite and to know what to do when you're bit by a tick. This guide prepares you for the worst, so you can be at your best when a tick bites you or a loved one.
The Ticks In Yakima County
In Yakima County, you might come across one of several tick species. Brown dog ticks are somewhat common and have a reddish-brown color. Despite their name, these ticks sometimes feed on humans. American dog ticks are more tan in color and have marbled yellow or white markings. After eating, both ticks have an almost gray appearance.
Another common Yakima County pest is the Rocky Mountain wood tick. This tick is usually brown and resembles the American dog tick. However, it's huskier and has a shorter mouth. The adult black-legged tick is brownish-black, and the females have distinctive orange abdomens.
As parasites, ticks are one of the worst pests in the area. They rely on you and your pets for a meal, feeding on your blood. When ticks bite, they don't cause any pain or discomfort. However, ticks embed themselves into their hosts and don't let go until they've had a full meal. This behavior alone is unsettling, but a tick's ability to spread disease is even worse.
The Dangers Of Local Ticks
Not all ticks carry diseases, but they can. Tick-borne diseases have the potential to cause serious health complications, as well as death. If you don't get treatment for your tick-borne illness, you could have symptoms for the rest of your life.
In addition to the risk of catching a disease, you could also develop a secondary infection. An attempt to remove a tick could leave you with a mouthpart in your skin. Eventually, you may develop an infection and need immediate medical attention.
What To Do When A Tick Bites You
You may not notice a tick on you. However, if you do see a tick feeding on you, grab a pair of tweezers. If the tick is in an easy-to-reach spot, you can try to remove it yourself. Otherwise, you might need a friend or family member to help you.
Avoid crushing, twisting, or jerking the tick out. Instead, pull the tick out gently and be sure no part of the parasite remains in your body. Once you remove the tick, flush it down the toilet. Crushing it won't kill the tick and could allow it to feed on someone else in your household.
It may only take a few hours of feeding for a tick to transmit a disease to you. Therefore, you should be wary of any health issues. Signs of tick-borne illnesses include fatigue, rashes, and nausea. For your peace of mind, contact a doctor and tell them about your experience.
Avoiding Tick Bites
Although most people have run-ins with ticks in nature, these Yakima County pests could be in your backyard. Wildlife pests sometimes carry them onto your property, which means it's nearly impossible to keep ticks away. Squirrels, mice, and rats might bring ticks right to your doorstep.
To make sure your yard is a safe place, take measures to keep ticks away. One of the best things you can do is work with a professional. Here at Prosite, we don't take ticks lightly. We work hard to provide ongoing tick prevention and elimination for Yakima County property owners. For years, we've been working with locals to keep them safe from ticks. To learn more, call us today.