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When spending time outdoors in Plano, Texas, there is one pest that you should be particularly concerned about. Ticks are potentially very dangerous, and they can also be tricky to avoid or even identify.
One of the more common tick species in the area, and also one of the more dangerous, is the deer tick. They are the most common vector of Lyme disease, which is a notorious tick-borne illness. Lyme disease is a serious illness that can impact the nervous system, joints, and heart.
However, one misconception about ticks is that they themselves cause the disease. In fact, ticks just act as carriers, or vectors, for Lyme disease. But, regardless of the exact mechanism, being bitten by a tick can lead to illness, so it’s important to be aware and take precautions.
What Do Deer Ticks Look Like?
Deer ticks are a hard-bodied species of tick which means they have a tough outer shell. They have oval-shaped bodies, and they are usually flat but will become round after they’ve had a blood meal. Their bodies are orange, and they have dark brown heads and legs. As their name suggests, they often attach themselves to deer hosts, but they will also latch onto humans if the opportunity presents itself.
Where Are Deer Ticks Found?
Deer ticks live most of their lives waiting on dense vegetation for a host to walk by. They are primarily found on plant varieties such as scrubs or tall grasses. They are able to sense the body odor and the carbon dioxide released from breathing that humans and animals emit. So, they wait for their chance and then embed their heads into a host that comes too close.
Luckily, most tick bites won’t cause Lyme disease or other illnesses. But, since that risk is always there, it’s important to know the basic signs of the sickness.
Bite marks and symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most characteristic Lyme disease symptom is a bulls-eye patterned rash that develops. Fever, chills, headaches, joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes are also common symptoms. If you have any questions about a possible tick bite, contact your healthcare professional.
How To Keep Deer Ticks Out Of Your Yard
While it’s not possible to completely keep ticks from coming onto your property, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk. Overall, you should focus on taking steps around your yard to make your property less appealing to deer ticks and other tick species:
- Keep your yard cleared of organic debris such as leaf piles and yard clippings.
- Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and other dense vegetation.
- If you have any pets, work with your vet to keep them protected, as many ticks will attach to dogs and other animals only to be carried into the home.
- Deter wild animals from coming onto your property by installing fences, storing pet food indoors, and removing bird feeders.
What To Do About Deer Tick Concerns
If you’ve been bitten by a deer tick and feel you have symptoms of Lyme disease, the safest thing to do is get in contact with a healthcare professional right away.
However, if you’re trying to prevent and control ticks around your Plano property, the best way to do so is with help from experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. We can work with you to provide ongoing pest control services to keep you and others around you safe. Contact us today to receive your free estimate.
