One of the perks about living in New Braunfels is that there are so many opportunities to spend time outside and enjoy nature. The city boasts a lot of wonderful parks and places to take your pets and your family and spend quality time out in the sun. Unfortunately, one of the very reasons why pest control in New Braunfels is so important is because ticks in New Braunfels are unfortunately very common. They are some of the more dangerous pests here because tick bites can transmit terrible diseases to both you and your pets. Read on to learn how to identify a tick bite, as well as how Gold Star Exterminators can help your yard become tick-free today.
What Does A Tick Bite Look Like?
The first step to treating a tick-borne illness is identifying the signs that result from tick bites. There are lots of biting insects here in New Braunfels, and bites can look similar. Also, it's important to note that even though there are several different kinds of ticks in New Braunfels, their bites all look the same.
Below are some of the unique identifiers that indicate a tick bite:
- Bullseyes pattern: The trademark distinctive quality of a tick bite is that sometimes, there will be a red bullseye pattern. There will be an unmistakable giant red dot in the center of the ring.
- Red bump: There will sometimes be a red bump at the site of the bite.
- Rash: Another common symptom of a tick bite is a rash. This rash is usually red.
- Itchiness: Ticks can bite you anywhere on your body, and some people have reported experiencing intense itchiness at the site of the bite.
What Diseases Can Ticks Transmit
The most important reason to seek professional tick protection is that ticks are parasites capable of spreading incredibly harmful illnesses, called tick-borne illnesses.
Below are some of the most common ones:
- Babesiosis: While some people who contract this disease are asymptomatic, those who do experience symptoms may think they have the flu. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, and loss of appetite. Medical treatment is required, as you will need to take the same antiparasitics used to treat malaria.
- Lyme disease: Perhaps the best known of tick-borne illnesses that both you and your pets can suffer from is Lyme disease. Lyme can cause severe and chronic joint pain, along with neurological issues such as meningitis and Bell's palsy. These symptoms can persist and pop up at any time after you have been infected, even years later.
- Anaplasmosis: Symptoms include chills, shaking, a fever, and muscle aches. Despite being a curable disease, it is fatal if not treated fast enough.
- Ehrlichiosis: Another common tick-borne illness, ehrlichiosis symptoms can include fever, chills, a severe headache, muscle aches, and sometimes confusion.
Tick prevention isn't just important for you and your family; your pets are equally at risk for contracting these terrible diseases, even if they do not go outside. All it takes is for one infected tick to be brought indoors for your beloved pet to become sick.
How Long Do Ticks Live?
While the life cycle of tick species depends on what kinds of ticks you're talking about, generally speaking, a single tick can live for two to three years. However, there is a lot of conflicting information on how long these parasites can survive without a blood meal. Some sources claim they can only survive up to 24 hours without blood, and others say they can live up to two years. Regardless of the answer, it is important to seek professional pest control in New Braunfels to help you exterminate the threat of disease in your yard and home.
Is There A Permanent Solution For Ticks On My Property?
Here at Gold Star Exterminators, we have dealt with tick infestations since 1992. Throughout our time in New Braunfels, we have become intimately familiar with the kinds of ticks that live here. We have perfected a plan of action that has proven results exterminating tick infestations in their entirety. Our expert technicians have the skills and tools required to safely and effectively rid your yard of these parasites, making it safe for you, your family, and your pets to spend time outdoors once more. If you are worried about the ticks in your yard, contact us today!