Ticks

The blood-sucking tick is a scary pest to some and potentially dangerous pest to most. There are few things more unnerving than a tiny critter burrowing into your skin and sucking your blood. While most people think of ticks as an insect, they actually belong to a Class known as Arachnids, the same as spiders, scorpions, and mites.
 
Ticks feed on their prey by embedding their mouth and head into the skin of the host and injecting a cocktail of blood thinners and anesthetics, then sucking the host’s blood and gorging their bodies to almost twice their normal size. Since ticks break the host’s skin and come into contact with blood, they can infect hosts with a variety of different diseases.

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Out of the 82 species of ticks that are distributed across America, nine are known to bite humans and spread disease. There are multiple diseases that people are prone to, the most common of which is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating infection that, in mild cases, can cause flu-like symptoms, and if left untreated, can cause facial palsy or even heart complications. The prevalence of Lyme disease has been steadily climbing over the past few decades and is now present in half the counties in the country. Humans aren’t the only victims of tick-borne disease; our furry family members can contract diseases from as well. Pets are especially susceptible to tick infestations due to the amount of fur on their bodies and the amount of time they spend outside. 
 
Luckily, the chance of getting an infection from a tick is minimal due to their relatively low rate of contact with humans. However, it is still essential to take precautions when venturing into their habitat. The stage of the life cycle (adult or nymph) the tick is in will determine the chances of getting bitten, adult ticks and nymphal ticks are rarely active at the same time.
 
With a bit of prior knowledge, simple, yet effective steps can be taken that have a significant impact on your chances of coming in contact with a tick. Knowing the period when ticks are most active and where they reside can help reduce the risk. For starters, they are typically more active in the spring and early summer months when the weather is warm, but not hot. They tend to wait on the edges of bushes, tall grass, or other foliage for potential hosts to brush by so they can readily attach themselves. If you are planning any outdoor recreation, be sure to avoid these areas.
 
To keep your family safe, it is essential to schedule regular visits from the pest control professionals at Go-Pher The Kill Pest Control. We will ensure that your home is a place where you can feel comfortable and have the peace of mind you deserve. Typically, a visit from us is only required twice a year, which means that the choice to rid your home of dangerous pests is as cost-effective as it is important. We service for ticks, as well as silverfish, and more in RiversideCoronaNorcoEastvale, and surrounding areas.