What's Attracting Ticks To My West Chester Yard?
June 13, 2022
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300,000 people get a tick-borne disease diagnosis every year. Though ticks aren’t going anywhere and play an essential role in our ecosystem, that doesn’t mean they have the right to reside in your yard.
The fact that these pests are vectors of diseases means that you need to take the necessary precautions to reduce your likelihood of contracting tick-borne illnesses as a West Chester resident. Contact your local West Chester pest control to get rid of ticks in your yard.
What Types Of Ticks Live In West Chester?
There are many different types of ticks in Pennsylvania, but here are the most prevalent ticks when it comes to the West Chester area:
- Lone Star Tick: Identify the female lone star tick by the silver-looking dot atop their reddish-brown bodies, but male and female ticks can grow from 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch long.
- American Dog Tick: This particular tick has a brown body with white patterns, usually measuring 3/16 of an inch in length. This species prefers to feed on dogs versus humans.
- Blacklegged Tick: Also known as the deer tick, this particular species of tick is orange-brown in color with very dark legs. They have soft shells and can grow between 1/16 to 1/8 inches in length.
These ticks, individually, are known carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Alpha-gal syndrome. Tick bite prevention is of great importance to ensure you don’t contract any of these diseases if bitten.
Are West Chester Ticks Dangerous?
Although not all ticks spread diseases, there’s still the potential, and we can guarantee that you don’t want to risk being bit to find out if they are carriers. We here at Masters Touch Pest Solutions can confirm that the ticks in West Chester are indeed dangerous. Take a look at the disease common to each tick species in the area:
- Alpha-gal syndrome: Lone star tick
- Lyme disease: Blacklegged tick
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: American dog tick
All symptoms associated with these tick-borne diseases range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis. If bitten by a tick, you want to use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it safely. If you feel you didn’t remove the entire tick, seek medical attention.
Why Are Ticks In My Yard?
There are quite a few reasons why ticks may be attracted to your yard, particularly darkness, moisture, and pets. By eliminating conducive conditions, you’ll eliminate the likelihood of these pests taking over your yard.
What You Can Do To Get Rid Of Ticks Around Your Home
Having ticks around your property can be unbearable, making you not want to go outside, but that’s no way to live your life. Your home should be your safe space, and you should be able to enjoy it without worrying about ticks. Here are a few ways to keep ticks from infesting your home:
- Keep your grass cut low and trim any overgrown brush, hedges, and vegetation.
- Install fencing to keep wildlife away, commonly infected with ticks.
- Keep your yard clean and free from organic debris.
- Always inspect yourself and your pets before coming home after spending time out in nature, especially hiking trails.
These are indeed great ways to get rid of ticks around your home, but, ultimately, these methods won’t completely rid your home of them. The best way to eliminate ticks is with professional West Chester pest control.
We here at Masters Touch Pest Solutions are your local tick experts. We’ve been in the pest control industry for over a decade and know all about these blood-feeding pests. To schedule your tick inspection, give us a call.
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