Here in Pennsylvania there are many different insects that you may be familiar with. Some insects you have more interactions with than others. You have probably not had tons of encounters with ticks but it is important to make sure that you know all about ticks. Ticks will affect humans, dogs, deer, wild mammals, and birds. Stewart Termite & Pest Control deals with four different types of ticks. American Dog ticks, deer ticks, Lone Star ticks, and groundhog ticks are all known to show up here in Pennsylvania. Each of them has unique characteristics that make them different from one another. All ticks are scientifically classified as Arachnida. Fossil records show that ticks have been around for over 90 million years. There are over 800 different tick species around the world. Ticks require blood to complete their life cycle. They feed on humans and animals alike. Ticks are known to transmit diseases to humans and animals as they feed on them.
Tick Bites on Humans
One thing that makes tick bites so tricky is that they are hard to detect. Many times people that are bitten by ticks do not experience any noticeable symptoms when they are bitten. Symptoms may not occur until the bite is already healed. This makes diagnosing the problem hard for doctors and vets. Some people will develop itching, biting, redness, intense pain, a rash, swelling, shortness of breath, or numbness. One of the health problems that may occur as a result of a tick bite is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is extremely hard to diagnose. Many times it is misdiagnosed for a long period of time. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think that you may have been bitten by a tick you will want to see a doctor immediately.
How to Remove a Tick
If you notice you have a tick bite you will want to remove the tick as soon as you can. You will want to get some tweezers to help you with the process. Use the tweezers to grasp the tick firmly and pull it until the tick lets go of the skin. Do not twist or rock the tick as you are trying to remove it. Sometimes part of the tick will stay in your skin but that is okay. It will fall out on its own eventually. When you are done getting the tick out you will want to wash your hands and the area of the bite with soap and water. Then swab the site of the bite with alcohol.
Tick Inspection & Control
If you have ticks on your property you will want to get rid of them as soon as you can. You would hate for one of your family members or pets to get bitten by a tick and suffer from the health problems that may arise as a result of the bite. Stewart Termite & Pest Control can help come up with a plan to help you get rid of your ticks as quickly as possible. Give us a call today!