Seed ticks is a fairly common problem faced by most people, especially dog owners. And, seed ticks on humans can spread various diseases and illnesses, and so, they need to be eliminated as soon as possible.
Ticks infestation is one of the many problems that have to be dealt with, especially during the spring. Not only pets, but homes too can get infested by these parasitic insects. Seed ticks are the larval form, and are extremely tiny, usually the size of a pinhead, or can be even smaller. They have only six legs and carry fewer viruses than the fully-grown ones, but are still harmful if found on humans or pets. They have the ability to stick to their host to feed on their blood and transmit diseases as well. Since they are so tiny, identifying seed ticks on humans and in the house becomes very difficult. However, once you identify their presence, you must take appropriate measures to eliminate them without any delay.
Vital Information
Seed ticks can latch onto you in a number of ways. Unlike fleas, they do not have the ability to fly and get onto their hosts. They hide in bushy and weedy areas and cling onto humans or pets who brush past them. They also have the ability to survive for long without feeding, so they do not really die on their own unless they are killed or exterminated. They climb onto their hosts in large numbers, not just a few at a time.
Initially, they can cause some itching and irritation, but if they feed for long, they can transmit a number of tick diseases, like rocky mountain fever, lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. They can cause great discomfort and various illnesses in your pet dog, like tick paralysis and tick fever. Getting rid of them and controlling their growth is essential to eliminate the possibility of being affected by these diseases. Efforts should also be made to prevent and avoid tick infestation and tick bites.
How to Get Rid of Ticks
Getting rid of these parasitic insects can be a little difficult. It needs to be done very carefully, before they attach themselves to the skin. When you spot a tick on your skin or clothes, get hold of it using a pair of tweezers and avoid touching it with your fingers. Then, slowly pull it off, applying as little pressure as possible so that it does not burst. Once you detach the tick, place it in a bottle of alcohol that will help kill the tick. Another technique that you can use is to place a piece of duct tape over the tick and pull it out along with the tape. Once the tick is off the skin, clean the area of the skin with alcohol or an antiseptic solution to prevent an infection.
Tips for Preventing Tick Infestation
- Always wear protective clothing when venturing outdoors in seasons when tick infestation is common and when visiting places where ticks commonly tend to hide. You can wear full sleeved shirts, boots, and also some head covering. This will prevent the insects from latching onto your skin directly.
- When you return home, make sure you inspect yourself and your pet thoroughly before entering into the house. Remove any tick that you find on your clothing immediately.
- Apply and make use of tick repellents on your pet dog and in your home as well. You can also apply some of it to your clothes when you venture out of home. This will keep the ticks from infesting your home as well as your pet.
- Maintain your lawns and gardens well to avoid encountering these pests around your home. They do thrive in dry surroundings with short vegetation.
- Vacuum your home thoroughly at least once a day during the tick season and contact a professional pest control service prior to the season for a tick repellent treatment in and around your house.
If you experience any flu like symptoms after seed tick removal, consult a doctor immediately for treatment. Seed ticks on humans should not be ignored and taken casually as it can have many health related consequences later on.
