The Dangers of Ticks & How to Protect Yourself

Ticks are one topic that most people don’t want to talk about. However, because ticks can be dangerous, it is important to learn as much as you can about them. Ignoring the problem won’t help you. Instead, learn about tick identification, know where they live and understand how to handle the situation if you get a tick bite. Reacting quickly and knowing what to do after a tick bite can make a huge difference in whether or not you become seriously ill.

Types of Ticks and Tick Diseases

Three types of ticks, including lone star, dog and black-legged, have the potential to transmit diseases to humans. Of the three, the most dangerous is the black-legged tick because it can give humans Powassan virus, Borrelia miyamotoi infection, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and, of course, Lyme disease. Most of these are rare diseases. However, Lyme disease is not, and it can be very serious if it is not treated in a timely manner. It has the potential to affect the nervous system, the joints and the heart.

Ticks Can Transmit Several Diseases At The Same Time

Ticks feed from many different sources. Of course, they bite humans. But they also bite animals, like deer, rabbits, birds and mice. Not only do they give diseases to their hosts, but they can also get bacteria from them as well. That means that just one tick can transmit several diseases through a single bite. The black-legged deer tick, for instance, has the potential to infect its host with babesiosis, anaplasmosis and Lyme disease, all at once.  

How Can You Protect Yourself From Ticks?

Follow these easy tips to prevent ticket bites:

• Cover up with light-colored clothing when you go outside.
• Wear long pants, as well as socks and shoes. Tuck pants into socks.
• Spray your clothing with a clothing-only repellent that contains Permethrin.
• Check yourself as well as any family members for ticks when you get back home.
• In addition, it is a good idea to take a shower as soon as you get inside.

New Jersey has its fair share of ticks, including the East Asian tick, which first made its presence known last year in 2017. It is important to take steps to avoid getting bitten by these pests.

Ticks are prevalent in forests and woods but are also common backyard pests if your property abutts a wooded area. If you are picking up ticks in your yard, get in contact with a licensed pest control company that specializes in tick control. We’ll come out to your property and perform a free inspection to help you understand exactly what you are dealing with. If you choose to go with our services, we’ll work to make sure we get the tick infestation under control.

Ticks pose a significant problem in New Jersey and in other areas along the East Coast. While many people prefer simply not to think about the dangers associated with this pest, it is important to face the problem head-on. Educate yourself on the types of ticks that are prevalent in your area. Learn how you can protect yourself against them. And, particularly when you are in a wooded area, make sure to vigilantly check yourself to ensure that you didn’t pick up an unwanted visitor.

For more information regarding Ticks please read our Ticks FAQ page.