Ticks are external parasites and in order to survive they need to feed on the blood of humans, other mammals, birds and reptiles. Ticks pose danger to humans, pets and other animals because they carry pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that can transmit diseases. Ticks are very resilient and can fast for long periods, when in need of a feeding they patiently wait around the borders of forested or tall-grass areas to find a suitable host to attach themselves to. Ticks are discreet in their ability to latch on and obtain a feeding; tick bites are often painless with a skin rash or local redness appearing later near the bite. Most symptoms of a tick-borne disease will begin to occur within days (and up to a few weeks) after the tick bite. It is particularly dangerous for the host when the tick remains latched on for hours or when the tick is removed improperly, since tick's bodily fluids may contain harmful microorganisms dramatically increasing the risk of being infected.
Ticks spread many viruses and illnesses such as Colorado Tick Fever and, more prominently, Lyme Disease. While most ticks are not infected with Lyme Disease and therefore will not transmit it to the host even after a feeding, in some areas of North America, up to 50% of black-legged ticks are infected carriers of Lyme Disease. While medical research in efforts to better understand the phenomenon of Lyme Disease continues, some of the known symptoms include skin rashes, fatigue, headaches, neurological problems or even death.
Abell's Tick Prevention Program will reduce the risk of tick bites and diminish the threat of tick-borne diseases on your property. Your Technician will identify areas where ticks are most likely to be living and treat those areas strategically in order to reduce tick populations around your property.
In some cases, in addition to the exterior application, an interior service might be required, especially if you have pets that have a history of tick problems.
A liquid spray is the most effective method of tick control and is used in most cases. All tick control treatments will be carried out with your complete safety in mind to ensure health and well-being of you and your family.
Your Technician will apply a 3-meter-wide band of tick control substance around the outside of your property, targeting treed and grassy areas where ticks are most likely to be hiding. We will also focus on areas such as pathways, outer buildings, fence lines, building foundation and foliage line. The perimeter of your home will also be treated with tick control substance tracing the outline of your home at about 1-meter width. Ideally the first treatment is scheduled to take place in the early spring, and the second - in early fall.
The Brown Dog Tick is the most prevalent tick species found indoors. We will apply treatment to any cracks and crevices as well as directly around the pet bedding. We also recommend that the infected pet bedding should be carefully washed and dried or replaced regularly.
