Warmer Than Usual Fall Could Lead To Increased Tick Activity
Typically, low levels of humidity brought by colder fall temperatures work to manage the growth of tick populations throughout Florida. When humidity levels drop below 85%, ticks quickly begin to die of dehydration, retreating to higher humidity areas, such as under piles of fallen leaves, wood, and tall grasses. Retaining higher temperatures and humidity levels well into the fall season will result in an increase in tick populations across the state.
Luckily, our pest control specialists at Champion Termite & Pest Control have the skills and experience necessary to help Florida residents manage increased tick populations this fall. Continue reading to learn more about ticks, the threats they pose, and the methods of pest management recommended by our pest control company.
Threats Posed By Ticks
Ticks are notorious transmitters of several serious diseases. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and Alpha Gal syndrome are all serious complications that can result from untreated tick bites.
Ticks become infected with disease by feeding on an affected host, such as deer, mice, or other small mammals. This disease is then injected into the bloodstream of their human prey as they feed. While research suggests that ticks need to be attached to their host for at least 12 hours to successfully transmit disease, cautionary measures should still be followed whenever someone is bitten by a tick.
Closely monitor all tick bites for irregular rashes, and see a doctor immediately if you experience any fever, chills, fatigue, or muscle aches soon after being bitten by a tick.
How To Protect Against Tick Bites
The best way to protect yourself from tick bites this upcoming fall is through a combination of protective clothing and bug spray. Wear long pants tucked into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs, and use bug spray liberally to mask your scent from nearby ticks. After any outdoor activities, check your body for ticks, take a shower, and throw your clothes in the dryer to kill and remove ticks before they can transmit any diseases.
Ensuring your yard is inhospitable for ticks is the best way to protect against bites. These types of pests love tall grasses and shaded, humid environments. Regularly mowing your lawn, trimming back unruly bushes, and disposing of leaf litter are all good methods of pest control for backyard ticks.
How Professional Pest Control Services Can Help
If your property is infested with ticks, it can be difficult to enjoy being outdoors. Tick bites are painful, dangerous, and should be avoided—but changing into protective clothing, reapplying bug spray, and checking yourself for ticks can be inconvenient and time-consuming. What’s more, ticks hide in hard-to-reach places and travel frequently, making them a difficult pest to eliminate without professional help.
If you are struggling with explosive tick populations on your property this fall, Champion Termite & Pest Control’s expert exterminators can help. We offer multi-purpose yard treatments to target tick, flea, and mosquito populations in one easy sweep. Don’t let the warm weather get you down—contact us today to receive a free estimate on our pest control services!
