Ticks are known for transmitting diseases to humans, and most people try their best to avoid them when out in the wilderness. While ticks can carry several different illnesses, one of the most common and notorious is Lyme disease. However, not all species of tick are likely to spread this pathogen. The deer tick is the most common vector of Lyme disease. Ticks, themselves, don’t get Lyme disease; they are only carriers or vectors of the pathogen that can lead to Lyme.
While you’ll want to avoid being bitten by any tick, it’s especially important to avoid deer ticks and to know what they look like if you see one. Here is how to identify a deer tick:
- They are considered a hard-shelled tick species.
- Their bodies are orange, but their heads and legs are dark brown.
- They have flat, oval-shaped bodies.
- They have eight legs.
What You Need To Know About Deer Tick Bites
While you might assume that deer tick bites are only a common problem for people who spend time outdoors, the truth is that these ticks can also get onto your property and sometimes into your house. Wildlife and pests like raccoons can bring these ticks to your yard, and they can also be a problem for your pets.
Deer ticks are most often found in dense vegetation, as this is where they wait to find a host. They can sense the body odor and the breath of mammals, and they are even able to detect the vibrations of an animal or human walking by. Then, once a potential host brushes up against the vegetation, they will quickly act and embed their heads into that host.
While the way ticks feed on a host is rather disgusting and scary, it’s important to remember that not all tick bites will result in Lyme disease or any other sickness. However, you should know the signs of a tick bite and other symptoms to look out for.
While not every bite looks the same, Lyme disease’s most common symptom that develops next to the bite is a bulls-eye patterned rash. You should seek medical help immediately if you notice this rash or any of the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Fever
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
How To Prevent Ticks Around Your Yard
Because of the risks associated with ticks, it’s good to take some steps to keep ticks out of your yard. While these steps can’t completely ensure you’ll never receive a bite, they can make your yard less hospitable for these pests.
- Get rid of any leaf and grass piles on your property.
- Since deer ticks prefer dense vegetation, keep bushes, tall grass, and trees trimmed regularly.
- Keep firewood stacked neatly and away from the exterior of your home.
- Help keep wildlife away by installing fences and storing pet food inside.
- Work with your vet to keep your pets safe from ticks.
The Best Tick Control Assistance
Because Lyme disease is a serious illness, you should always get medical help right away if you have any symptoms. However, if you don’t have any symptoms but have noticed ticks around your Oklahoma City yard, the best way to remove them and prevent further issues is to contact the professionals at Thunder Pest Control. We are happy to work with you to provide individualized, high-quality pest control services that will help protect you and others from ticks. Get a free quote today by calling or contacting us online.
