It’s summer and the heat is at an all-time high. For many of us it’s time to get out and about with family and friends doing fun things like hiking, swimming, picnicking and barbecues. But there is also a good reason to use caution when spending time outdoors. The tick population is expected to be extremely high in many areas and ticks pose a serious health risk.

Dangerous Ticks

Ticks can be dangerous to both human beings and our pets. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. The increased populations of ticks this summer means that people are at a higher risk for contracting Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, and fatigue and skin rash. Lyme disease can also affect the joints and if left untreated can affect the heart and the nervous system.

Professional Tick Control

A-Tex Pest Management is fully licensed and insured and has been serving clients in the Greater Austin area since 2002. Our seasoned technicians have over 30 years of experience and are eager to share that knowledge and expertise with you! Our exterminators are trained in the latest pest control products, techniques and technologies so you know you are always getting the best pest service available.

Here is a list of 10 tick tips courtesy of A-Tex Pest Management to help protect you and your family from ticks this summer:

1. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed toed shoes when outside – especially in tall grass and wooded areas.
2. Choose light colored clothing; it makes it easier to see ticks or other insects.
3. Use a bug spray containing at least 20% deet.
4. Stay in the center of trails and away from vegetation when hiking outdoors
5. Make sure you keep your yard tick-free, keep grass cut low and remove weeds and brush.
6. Check your pets for ticks, use a specialty comb to brush through fur and apply veterinarian approved tick prevention.
7. Inspect yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. Especially skin folds, like knees, elbows and neck
8. Remove a tick with a slow steady pull and be careful not to leave any of the mouth parts in your skin. Wash your hands and the bite site with warm soap and water. Ticks should be disposed of by either flushing down the toilet or wrapped in paper towel before placing in a closed trash container.
9. If you find signs of a tick bite, such as a red bullseye rash around a bite. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
10. If you have ticks in your home or on your property, contact A-Tex Pest Management who can inspect and recommend a treatment plan to reduce and eliminate ticks and stop the spread of disease.
Protect your family from ticks and disease this summer by being proactive and taking important steps to prevent tick bites. For more information on ticks and your entire pest control needs contact A-Tex Pest Management and speak with an experienced customer service representative today.