What are Ticks?

Ticks are small insects that survive by feeding off the blood of mammals, including humans. There are three families of ticks, consisting of more than 900 species. Based on fossil research, scientists believe ticks have been on the planet for more than 146 million years.

Though ticks can be found around the world, they tend to favor warm and humid climates. This does not, however, mean that these pests are only found in the Caribbean. Instead, they will become active anywhere during the hot summer months.

Ticks feed by piercing the skin and sucking blood. Because of this, ticks are breeding grounds for disease.

Ticks & Disease

Ticks survive by sucking blood from mammals. They do not, however, make a distinction between living and dead mammals. This means a tick that may bite your pet or child may have earlier fed from a dead animal, transferring potentially fatal diseases.

People and animals that have been bitten by ticks can show symptoms for weeks after a bite. Diseases that can be transmitted by ticks include:

• Lyme Disease
• Human Anaplasmosis (HA)
• Babesiosis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
• Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
• Ehrlichiosis
• Powassan Virus
• Tularemia
• and more

In some cases, if left untreated, a tick bite can prove fatal to humans and pets.

How to Prevent Tick Bite Risk

There are many ways to prevent a potential tick bite for you, your family, and your pets.

If you are camping, hiking, or engaging in outdoor activity, particularly during the summer months, you will need to be sure that you are properly protected from not only the elements but the potential of pest bites. It is also a good idea to remove clothing used in outdoor activities before entering the home and to wash that clothing before a potential infestation can occur.

There are vaccines for pets that will prevent Lyme Disease. This does not mean, however, that a pet that has been outside is not able to transfer ticks to the inside of your home.

What Can I Do to Prevent Future Incidents?

One of the best ways to ensure your home is safe from ticks is to contact a qualified pest control expert.

In most cases, eliminating ticks from your home or preventing a possible infestation requires a combination of pesticide and non-pesticide methods.

For the safety of your home, your family, and your neighbors, it is important to contact a licensed professional to eradicate these pests once and for all.

The courteous and professional staff at Alliance Pest Control is always available to answer and address your questions and concerns.

About Alliance Pest Control

Like you, we’ve lived, worked, and raised our families in the great state of New Jersey. We’re proud to have stayed family owned and operated for more than 30 years.

• Free inspections and estimates
• 24/7 emergency service
• Licensed, bonded, fully insured and background checked 

At Alliance, it’s never just business: it’s always personal.