Ticks can be annoying and probably the last thing you want your pet or yourself to be infected with. As humans, we can still avoid this situation, but what about your poor furry pets that can’t express their pain and have to deal with these nasty pests. In the United States, dogs are vulnerable to severe and fatal tick-borne Lyme diseases such as Ehrlichiosis; Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Anaplasmosis, Hepatozoonosis, and Babesiosis. Pets love to play outdoors, especially in wooded and grassy areas where the ticks thrive more in numbers. You can be at ease as we at Accurate Pest Control have two considerations for all homeowners when it comes to your beloved pets and tick safety: keeping them protected and making sure you’re not exposed to ticks that they tend to bring into the house.
Outlined is a plan for you to safeguard your pets and yourself from Tick-borne illnesses
1. Prevention is Key
Preventing any health problem in the first place is always the best plan. It’s good to be mindful of where your pets play, as ticks mostly reside outdoors in the woods in between tall grasses and bushes. A sensible option is to use a DEET repellent with Picaridin on bare skin. If you’ve had a hearty play with your kids and pets outdoors, be sure to thoroughly check your clothes, pet’s body, and children from the ticks before entering the house. If you need quick assistance, call Accurate Pest control as we are one of the reputed and certified pest control companies in San Antonio.
2. Check for ticks every day before the day ends
Ticks like to live in moist and warmer areas like armpits, groin, and scalp, so it is advisable to do a complete check, especially in these areas before entering the home. Preferably check for the black-legged tick as it often spreads when it’s in the nymph stage, and nymphs are very tiny to spot. Pets can also make the home infested, so check your pest more frequently.
3. Be vigilant and look out for symptoms
Did you know it takes no less than 24 hours or more often 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick to spread Lyme? Lyme’s rash looks like a ‘bull’s eye,’ and if for no reason you show symptoms like fever, aches, pains, swollen lymph, or swelling in the joints, you must see a doctor without a second thought. We believe having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you have Lyme, but it’s always good to get checked, as early diagnosis can help you heal completely and quickly.
4. Be a responsible Consumer
It is vital to have trustworthy information whenever you choose to get a diagnosis done. Make sure to always refer to laboratories that use evidence-based norms and procedures to avoid misinformation.
We have decades of experience and are among the trusted exterminators in San Antonio, always waiting to help our customers.
If you are in the San Antonio or Stone Oak, TX areas, and want to learn more about Lyme and ticks its treatment and prevention, give us a call!