While many parts of the country, areas that experience clearly defined seasons with cold winters, are likely to get a reprieve from ticks for at least a part of the year, here in our part of Texas, we're unfortunately not so lucky. While at their worst during the warmer months of spring and summer, the so-called "tick season," ticks can be a serious concern at any time of the year in our area.
Let's take a closer look at the kinds of ticks you're likely to run into in our part of the state, the dangerous diseases tick bites can expose you to, and what tick prevention strategy Del Rio pest control professionals recommend to keep ticks away from your property.
The Types Of Ticks In Del Rio
We are lucky to enjoy an amazingly diverse ecosystem here in Texas, and as part of that ecosystem, we're exposed to more types of ticks than most anywhere else in the country.
In the area around Del Rio, you are likely to run into the following offenders:
- American dog ticks
- Lone star ticks
- Blacklegged ticks
- Brown dog ticks
Regardless of the type or species, ticks are likely to prey on you and your pets, congregating in areas of tall grass and out-of-control vegetation.
The Dangerous Diseases Tick Bites Are Known To Spread
Like many other insects that feed on blood, ticks are likely to transfer blood-borne diseases infecting their previous victim to the new blood donor.
If a tick has bitten you, you might be exposed to the following:
- Ehrlichiosis
- Tularemia
- Heartland virus
- Bourbon virus
- Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI)
The key that is responsible for the effective treatment of a tick bite is the correct identification.
Four Naturally Effective Ways To Prevent Tick Bites
Keeping ticks away from your backyard begins with creating an environment that's unforgiving to their needs and removes their favorite food source.
Start with:
- Keep the lawn grass mowed short to remove long vegetation where ticks can wait for a suitable victim to walk by.
- Build fencing around your property to keep out wild animals, likely to be a host for hitchhiking ticks.
- Keep yourself prepared with long sleeves and pants if you're likely to venture into an area with ticks.
- Clear off brush piles and fallen branches, and trim tree branches that might be a refuge for ticks.
If you happen to spend time in an area likely to host a population of ticks, make sure to carefully inspect your body once you are home, looking for unpleasant hitchhikers likely to see you as an all-you-can-eat plasma buffet.
The Key To Effective Tick Control For Del Rio Properties
Often, when the weather and bad luck come together, the population of ticks in our area explodes, regardless of the preventative strategies we employ. Ticks multiply fast, and a couple that hitchhiked on the back of a deer or a squirrel onto your property can become a nightmarish infestation thousands strong in no time.
Here at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio, we've been helping Texas homeowners keep their property tick and other pests-free for over 20 years. We are a family-owned and operated business and believe in using the time-proven, ecologically sound approach to keep ticks away from your property.
If your Del Rio property is infested with ticks and you need to experience the enjoyment of your backyards-give us a call at 830-490-1566 or click here for a prompt consultation today!