How To Prevent Ticks From Entering Your Home
Ticks are one of the most common pests in the United States, and they can be a real problem in your home. They not only bite and harm your pets, but they also transmit diseases to humans.
In fact, according to the CDC, they infect around 30,000 people each year with Lyme disease in the US alone. So it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
But before taking the steps to get rid of ticks, make sure that you actually have a pest problem.
Here are a few signs that you may have an unwanted visitor:
- Seeing ticks on your pets.
- Finding tick bites on your body after being outside in areas with tall grass or woods.
- Having rashes or fever after a tick bite.
If you have noticed any of these signs, then it’s time to take action and get rid of these nasty pests.
What is a tick?
Now that you know how to identify a tick problem, it’s time to learn a little bit about these pests. Ticks are actually part of the arachnid family and feed on the blood of animals and humans.
They’re mostly active in the spring and summer, but they can be a problem year-round in some areas. Ticks can also carry diseases that can be passed on to you and your pets.
Ticks are often found in wooded or overgrown grassy areas and can attach themselves to a living host. Once they’re attached, they’ll start feeding on your blood.
These pests can also be a real nuisance, but there are a few things you can do to learn how to prevent ticks from entering your home in the first place.
Keep Your Lawn Mowed
One of the best ways to get rid of ticks in your yard is to keep your overgrown lawn mowed. Although only a small number of ticks are found in the yard, they do like to hide in long grass, so by keeping your property maintained, you’ll make it harder for them to find a place to conceal themselves. You should also trim back any bushes or shrubs that are close to your house, since most ticks can be found in these areas.
Take Precautions When Outside
Even if you don’t have ticks in your home, you should still take precautions when you’re outside. So make sure to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin, and use insect repellent.
You should also check your body for ticks after you’ve been in grassy and wooded areas, and remove any that you find before going back inside your house. Learning how to get rid of a tick is important, and should be done as soon as possible.
Keep Your Pets Tick-Free
One of the best ways to prevent pests in your yard is to keep your pets tick-free. Ticks can hitch a ride on your furry friends, so it’s important to check them regularly. There are a variety of different products on the market that can help you keep your pets tick-free, so be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice.
Use Organic Treatments
Some people prefer to avoid using chemicals in their homes, and there are a few organic solutions that you can try. One option is to use diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It’s harmless to humans and animals, but it’s deadly to ticks. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home, and it will kill any ticks that come into contact with it.
Remove Their Food Source
Ticks feed on blood, so they’re often found near areas where there are a lot of animals. If you have a lot of deer, mice, or other small animals in your yard, they may be attracting ticks. You can try to remove their food source by eliminating these animals from your property.
This can be done by sealing up any holes that they may use to enter your home, or by using traps. And if you have a problem with deer, you can also try using fencing or plants that they don’t like to eat.
Remove Debris and Clutter
Ticks also like to hide in debris and clutter around your property, so it’s important to remove these objects. Keep your lawn clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris, and make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris. You should also consider removing any birdhouses or feeders from your yard, as these can attract and result in tick infestation.
Use a Tick Repellent
There are a variety of tick repellents on the market that can help keep ticks away from your property. These repellents usually contain chemicals like DEET or permethrin, which can be harmful to humans and pets if used incorrectly. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and only use tick repellents that are specifically designed for use on yards.
Hire a Pest Control Company
If you have a serious tick problem, call Fox Pest Control at (855) FOX-PEST. We have an effective treatment that is also safe for your family and pets. We will get the ticks away, and provide regular visits to keep them away.
At Fox our experienced technicians can help you choose the best option for your needs. So if you’re struggling to get rid of ticks in your home, contact Fox Pest Control today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you protect your home from pests.