If there’s a bug out there who has perfected that art of being a vampire, it’s the tick. These bloodsucking parasites burrow themselves into the skin, inject a painkiller called kininases, so their bites aren’t felt, then feed on the blood of their host. This crimson feast can go on for days because their presence isn’t noticed immediately. If gorging itself on your blood wasn’t enough to make your skin crawl, ticks are known carriers of many diseases, including Lyme, Rickettsia Parkeri, Tidewater Fever, and many more. The bacteria and viruses they carry can make people and pets extremely sick. Lyme, in particular, can be especially deadly, and in Indiana, the number of infections has risen in the last decade, most likely as a result of a booming tick population.

These terrible biters live in grass, shrubs, trees, and other areas with many plants. Many people believe the common misconception that ticks are more plentiful in remote areas, but this isn’t necessarily true. They are perfectly fine finding a home on your property, close to your backyard or even on your pet. It can be tough to spot an infestation, but seasoned pest control experts like Fortified Pest Control know their favorite places and even a few that most wouldn’t think of. Afterward, we’ll take steps to make sure they don’t come back. They are even harder to find on your pets because the pest is usually covered by the animals fur. Should you find one on your pet, it is recommended that they are taken to vet as soon as possible. 

Another misconception is that ticks are insects; they are arachnids and in the same family as spiders and scorpions, although they are much smaller than their longer-legged cousins. Many species of live in Indiana, but the most common three are the lone star, the American dog, and the black-legged. While these three, in particular, prefer pets and wild animals, the first two have been known to feed on humans in the absence of other mammals. Aside from popular belief, they don’t jump. When they sense a victim nearby, they fall from their hiding spot. 

Certain techniques can be used in an attempt to avoid having these suckers attaching themselves to you, but none of them are foolproof. Avoiding areas with heavy brush or bushes, especially while wearing short-sleeved clothing, is recommended. Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help as well. Many outdoor activities risk exposing someone to ticks, such as gardening, hiking, walking the dog, and other forms of recreation. Another option is to treat your clothes or other equipment that you have with over the counter sprays, although these are known to have unpleasant odors and are effective up to a certain percentage.

To say that ticks are annoying might be the understatement of the year. While many species prefer animals, humans are the next item on their menu, so an infestation needs to be handled by the experts as quickly as possible. If you live in northeast Indiana and have tick-induced headaches, contact Fortified Pest Control, and let us get those suckers out of Dodge.