Are You Struggling With Deer Ticks In McAllen?

Belonging to the same category as spiders, ticks are arachnids that will use their eight legs to maneuver and attach themselves to the skin of pets or humans and extract blood. In most cases, ticks exist in areas of high grass, overgrown weeds, or other vegetation. The hot and humid climate of Southern Texas accommodates ticks—particularly in the range of months from March through October.

Roughly 20 different tick species exist across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created a useful map that indicates the types of ticks most commonly found in each region. The American dog tick represents a species found in most states, while the most active ticks in Texas include the Cayenne tick, tropical horse tick, Lone Star tick, and the black-legged or deer tick.

A licensed McAllen pest control professional maintains the experience and tools for performing tick extermination services that know how to keep ticks off of pets and people. Tick-borne diseases may be dangerous, which makes avoiding contact with these pests and learning to recognize the signs of tick activity important priorities. 

What Does A Deer Tick Look Like?

The deer tick or “black-legged” tick (Ixodes scapularis) will generally remain active during the spring, late fall, and early winter months. The deer tick is an external parasite that most commonly feeds from deer, dogs, and some types of livestock. The adults are eyeless and appear in shades of black, brown, or orange, with blood-engorged females often described as being “charcoal grey.”

You can usually distinguish Lone Star ticks from the deer tick by their prominent white spot on the back. The deer tick exists predominately in the eastern half of the U.S. and Oklahoma, Texas, and Northern Mexico. The still-developing larvae and nymphs of the species often feed on birds, rodents, and lizards.

Every Disease That Deer Ticks Can Transmit

Are deer ticks dangerous creatures? Yes. Deer ticks pose a variety of possible health-related concerns, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan disease. Do deer ticks carry Lyme disease? Yes. Deer ticks may spread Lyme disease and the potentially dangerous bacterial condition known as ehrlichiosis, which more commonly is associated with the Lone Star tick.

Pets struggling with ticks may develop kidney disease, heart problems, and disorders involving the nervous system. Other symptoms may include weakness, weight loss, difficulties with breathing. 

How To Effectively Deter Deer Ticks In McAllen

Some of the most common best practices for deterring or otherwise limiting exposure to ticks include:

• Avoid attracting any types of wild animals to yard areas by removing bird feeders, fallen fruits, and keeping trash bags placed outdoors containing food scraps in durable, sealed garbage receptacles. 
• Pets should remain on a preventative treatment program overseen by a licensed veterinarian, which largely proves effective.
• Limit hiding spots for ticks by keeping the grass trimmed, limiting weeds, and other types of vegetation. 
• If you notice animals regularly passing through the yard area, consider installing a fence or another barrier to limit traffic.
• When participating in outdoor activities, including hiking or camping, remember to inspect your body, clothing, and pets for any ticks before reentering the home. 
• Apply EPA-approved insect repellants such as DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and apply permethrin to clothing and gear. 

As a general practice, avoid unnecessarily passing through areas of high grass or other taller types of vegetation, such as by remaining near the center of hiking trails—particularly during the warmer months of the year.

The Best Way To Permanently Remove Ticks From My Property

The experts with Bugworks Termite & Pest Control Company will swiftly expel ticks from your home using treatment options that protect humans, pets, and the ecosystem. We invite you to contact us today to schedule a property inspection to get started on our effective home or commercial pest control services.