Tick Identification & Prevention

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of people and animals by attaching themselves to the outside of their host's body. They are not insects but rather arachnids. They lack wings and the ability to fly. Ticks have oval bodies that swell after feeding, and adults having eight legs. 

These pests feed on various hosts, including mice, squirrels, deer, rats, groundhogs, skunks, dogs, cats, and people. Ticks have a four-stage life cycle and require a new host to feed on at each stage of development. They are a common yet unwanted sight on our North Carolina business properties as well as our area homes.

One of the most common species in our area is the deer tick. Deer ticks have brownish-orange bodies and distinctive dark-colored legs. They got their name because they regularly feed on white-tailed deer.

The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease. Deer ticks acquire the bacteria from their animal hosts and transmit it to people causing them to become infected with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is serious and, without treatment, can cause debilitating medical problems.

Ticks that live throughout our region spread many other diseases also that can make people ill.

Due to the ease with which ticks spread diseases to people and animals, they are considered dangerous pests and should never be permanent members of our North Carolina yards.

Ticks cannot jump or fly, so to move long distances, they ride on an animal host, infesting new yards on the backs of rodents, deer, dogs, and others. To gain access to their hosts, they crawl to the top of a blade of grass or other pieces of vegetation; after a host brushes past them, they will crawl onto their fur and attach themselves using their piercing mouthparts.

Ticks are mainly a problem for homeowners outside in our yards as most ticks cannot breed indoors.

Coming into contact with ticks usually occurs outside in shaded areas with a lot of moisture. Wooded areas, fields, meadows, parks, and yards are common places to find ticks.

Be wary of areas of your yard where pets spend a lot of time; leaf piles, woodpiles, and spots under bushes and shrubs are all areas where ticks tend to hang out.

Nobody can enjoy their backyard when ticks have taken over. The best way to control tick populations and keep them from taking over your property is to partner with a local and experienced professional. At Eco Man Pest Solutions, we use innovative and eco-friendly products to reduce tick numbers in Durham and protect you and your family from their bites and the diseases they spread. If you live in the Wendell area and want to learn more about our tick control solutions, reach out to us today. We will be glad to work with you to take back your yard from biting ticks using our effective services.

The following five easy steps will help you prevent problems with ticks on your Durham area property:

1. Keep your lawn cut short and remove areas of overgrown weeds and landscaping that could provide ticks with shade and moisture. 
2. Cut tall grass back away from fence lines, steps, walkways, and ditch lines. 
3. Cut wooded areas back away from your property line. 
4. Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins to keep foraging wild animals out of them.
5. After spending time outside, make sure to thoroughly check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks.