SPRING is here: and so are the ticks
Winter might FINALLY be leaving us here in the Red River Valley. While we are thrilled to finally get outside and enjoy the sun on our faces, we have noticed that we aren’t alone.
Ticks are here for the season.
Ticks never really leave us. During the cold frigid months they do their best to hide in warmer areas. That could mean piles of leaves, near compost piles or your favorite stash of logs for the fire pit. Once temps are above freezing they are out looking for their next blood meal.
Let’s learn a little more about this pests that keep “ticking” us off.
Ticks aren’t insects. They are actually small arachnids. They have eight legs and are just as creepy (and more dangerous) than my least favorite pest, spiders.
There are over 85 types of ticks in the United States and over 850 types worldwide.
Ticks can cause a wide variety of illnesses to both humans and animals. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Powassan Virus Disease, Lyme Disease and Tularemia are just a few of the potentially devastating illnesses caused by ticks all found around our area.
Did you know female ticks can lay up to 4000 eggs after a blood meal? Not something you want your pets to bring in with them after spending time in the yard!
Their favorite locations to lay their eggs are warm and cozy spots like your carpet, blankets or even in your laundry.
Preventing tick bites can be as easy as keeping your yard as unpleasant for ticks as possible.
Keeping your lawn mowed and tidy removes some of their favorite habitats.
You also want to ensure that you don’t have any excess trash or piles of leaves or lawn clippings.
Keep your firewood stacked neatly away from the side of your home.
Make sure you check your pets (and your family) daily to ensure you haven’t brought any ticks inside. Talk to your vet about appropriate tick control for your pets.
Use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants and tuck your pants into your socks when in heavily infested places, like wooded areas, pastures or other vegetation-heavy environments
Use appropriate treatments to keep your yard safe from ticks.
SafeYard can help with your ticks
If you need some extra help preventing tick borne illness request a quote today! We have the knowledge and experience to keep your yard as safe as possible.