The Tick Threat: Protecting Your Family and Pets in Edmond OK
Is there anything more beautiful than the serene Oklahoma outdoors of Edmond? It entices visitors and locals alike with its sprawling green landscapes, punctuated by days filled with sunshine.
However, there’s a danger lurking that can turn a picture-perfect day in the park into a nightmare of a health concern for your family and pets: the silent but significant tick threat.
Ticks, which are small arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals, have made their presence known here in Edmond. They carry with them the potential to spread harmful diseases.
In this guide, we’ll give you all the tips for tick control Edmond, OK residents need to know about.
Understanding the Tick Threat in Edmond, OK
Before we explore the top tick prevention tips, let’s start by talking about the tick threat itself. What do you need to be on the lookout for?
In Edmond, Oklahoma, you are likely to encounter several species of ticks. The American Dog Tick is the most common, often found in grassy areas and forests where it can easily attach to dogs, humans, and other animals.
The Lone Star Tick is also prevalent, and named for a white spot, or ‘lone star’, located on the backs of adult females. It’s become increasingly well-known for transmitting diseases and causing allergies in its victims.
The most common tick-borne diseases in Edmond are Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia. These can result in severe health complications, with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to joint pain and significant neurological effects.
The long list of problematic effects of ticks don’t end there. For pets, these can include chronic joint inflammation and in extreme cases, paralysis.
Protecting Your Family from Ticks
Now that you know why ticks are such a huge problem, here are some effective ways to protect your family from tick bites:
Tick-Proof Your Home and Yard
First, tick-proof your home and yard. Keep the lawn tidy, cut the grass regularly, and remove any debris (particularly vegetation) that might attract ticks.
You may also want to consider creating a “tick buffer zone” using gravel or wood chips between your yard and wooded areas.
Follow Safe Practices for Outdoor Activities
When you’re outside, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when doing any outdoor activity.
Use insect repellent with at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and permethrin on clothing and gear.
Do a Thorough Inspection
Upon returning home from any outdoor activities, take the time to check your body for ticks including in your ears and hair. This is especially important when it comes to young children and pets, who may not notice that they have ticks on them at first.
If you happen to find a tick, here’s our top tip for tick removal: use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure and clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Protecting Your Pets from the Tick Threat
Protecting your pets from ticks is just as important as protecting yourself, as pets can unknowingly bring ticks into your home. Regular checks, preventive medications, and tick control in your yard are the best ways to prevent tick-borne illnesses in your pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about the tick prevention products they recommend. There are all kinds of options to choose from, each of which has varying effectiveness for different animals, such as spot treatments, tick collars, and oral medications.
Again, make sure you maintain a clean yard that discourages tick habitat. This includes removing any brush, leaves, and tall grass that ticks may cling to.
Keep a close eye on your pets for any signs of ticks. Watch for signs such as excessive scratching, unusual redness around the bite site, swelling, fever, and general fatigue. In most cases, prompt removal and proper veterinary care can make a big difference in managing tick-related conditions in pets.
Get Professional Help in Managing Ticks
If you live in Edmond, OK, the tick threat can’t be overstated. It’s a community health concern that can cause all kinds of illnesses in both you and your pets.
The good news is that there are simple tick prevention and treatment tips you can follow to keep everyone safe. And if you really want to stay safe, be sure to contact Summit Pest Solutions. We have all kinds of solutions, from chemical treatments to preventative measures, that can help you get rid of ticks – and keep them from coming back for good.
We’ll work with you to develop a customized plan that keeps you safe from ticks and any other pests you might be worried about.
We’re in this together – and we want to help keep you safe.
