Avoid Ticks Outside this Summer When Camping, Fishing & Hiking

Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors and go camping, hiking and exploring throughout our beautiful state of Virginia. Unfortunately, ticks are active during the warm months of spring and summer, and participating in outdoor activities can lead to the transmission of dangerous tickborne disease. While Virginia is home to many attractive outdoor sites, it is also home to four species of ticks that humans come into contact with most. Ticks are a nuisance and responsible for spreading disease. It is important to be aware of ticks when you go outdoors and take the proper precautions to steer clear of ticks. The biggest mistake people make when it comes to ticks is not respecting how dangerous they can be, so pay attention while you are outdoors this summer, and thoroughly check yourself and your family members including pets for any ticks after a day spent outside in heavily populated tick areas.

Lone Star, Brown, Deer & American Dog Ticks call Virginia Home

There are four different tick species that populate Virginia and come into contact with humans. The lone star tick, the American dog tick, the brown tick, and the deer tick are all heavily present throughout the state of Virginia and will easily latch onto you or your pet in the outdoors. The lone star tick is usually found east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The American dog tick is found west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The brown dog tick is found throughout all of Virginia and the deer tick has recently spread into many suburban areas throughout Virginia. No matter where you are in the state, you are likely to come across ticks at one point or another. Ticks are all over Virginia and given the chance they will latch onto you and begin sucking your blood while at the same time spreading dangerous disease to you and your family.

Common Tick Borne Diseases

There are a variety of diseases that ticks are responsible for spreading to humans and pets. Both the lone star tick and the American dog tick are potential carriers of the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The deer tick is a potential vector of Lyme disease and has also been implicated in the transmission of ehrlichiosis. In order for a tick to transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, it must be attached to the host for no less than six hours. This puts a big emphasis on the importance of checking for ticks and removing them before they have a chance to transmit dangerous disease. Symptoms of RMSF include severe headache, chills, fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and other flu like symptoms. Lyme disease has similar symptoms.

How to Avoid Ticks While Camping & Hunting Outdoors

Covering up when going outdoors is a great way to prevent ticks from latching onto you. Long sleeve shirts, long pants and pants tucked into socks will make it difficult for ticks to get onto your skin. It is also recommended to wear light colored clothing, making it easier for you to spot a tick if it has attached itself onto your shirt or pants. Most importantly, check yourself for ticks after being outdoors. Ticks are commonly found in areas like behind the knee, armpits and between toes.

Tick Pest Inspections & Control in Northern Virginia, Stafford, Warrenton, Manassas, Culpeper, Chantilly, Leesburg VA and Gaithersburg MD

Eagle Pest Services is your one stop shop for all pest control needs including ticks. For more information on how to avoid and control tick populations on your property, contact us today!