Let’s Talk About Tick Control
As the weather starts to warm up, it increases the likelihood of getting bitten by a tick or ticks hitchhiking their way into the home via clothes or pet’s fur and causing an infestation.
People love to spend summertime outdoors hiking, playing, camping, gardening, and enjoying the warm weather. Summer is also the time when pests like ticks are the most active. As the weather starts to warm up, it increases the likelihood of getting bitten by a tick or ticks hitchhiking their way into the home via clothes or pet’s fur and causing an infestation.
What are ticks?
Ticks are tiny, parasitic pests that live in shaded and moist areas closer to the ground. Ticks around the home or yard are more than a nuisance. They can transmit various dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Anaplasmosis, and Colorado tick fever. It is crucial to protect yourself and the family from tick bites and prevent them from infesting the home. Here is all that a homeowner should do to protect themselves and control ticks in the home or yard:
Wear clothes covering the skin
Always wear clothes with minimal skin exposure when going out for a stroll in the woods. Use natural-based tick repellents to keep these annoying pests at bay. Dogs are among the top sources of tick infestations. After a walk or playing in the yard, comb the dog’s hair and fur for bumps. Check their feet, face, and neck for ticks. After coming indoors, take a shower and wash the dirty clothes and bed linens in the washing machine at a high heat setting.
Seal all gaps
Some ticks can enter poorly maintained homes through small cracks, holes, and crevices. If not checked, it can result in a full-blown infestation. Inspect the house thoroughly. Seal any gaps and openings using a caulking gun and ensure the window and door screens are in excellent condition.
Declutter and control moisture
Ticks prefer warm conditions and can hide anywhere in the home. Cleaning the clutter will prevent them from finding safe spots to thrive. Dispose of the unused cardboard and newspapers and avoid leaving dirty laundry on the floor. It is also essential to address humidity problems in the home. Clean the gutters, fix any plumbing leak, prevent water build-up, and invest in a dehumidifier if the house has high moisture levels.
Thoroughly clean the house
Clean the home corners, shelves, under furniture, and floors. A vacuum cleaner can come in handy to eliminate ticks. It can suck up ticks hiding in different home areas. Do not forget to dispose of the vacuum bag after every cleaning. After decluttering and cleaning, use natural pesticides to kill remaining tick eggs and larvae or spread diatomaceous earth (a natural tick repellent).
Outdoor tick control
Outdoor tick control is equally essential. Consider measures like:
Frequent lawn mowing
Bushes trimming, weed removal
Cleaning brush, dead leaves, and other debris from the yard
Removing densely planted beds
Creating a barrier between lawn and wooded areas using gravel or wood chips
Keeping bird feeders away at a considerable distance from home
Stacking the firewood in a dry location
Using a non-toxic pesticide to manage ticks
Get expert pest control
Contact a local pest control service for an efficient tick control strategy. A professional can treat tick infestation in the home and manage them outside. They can also take preventative steps and suggest measures to protect you, the family, and the property, from ticks.
Get monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and seasonal pest control services across Phoenix Valley with Russell Pest Control. We offer environmentally-friendly pest control solutions for fleas and ticks, mosquitoes and flies, rodents, mice, and rats, and weed control. Our team has all required state licenses and stay updated with all industry advancements. Connect with us for more information.
