Ticks are parasites that feed on human and animal blood. There are almost 1000 different species of tick worldwide but the most common species found in Australia is the paralysis tick. The Paralysis Tick accounts for 95% of all tick bites in Australia. Ticks prefer humid and moist conditions and are prevalent across Australia and very common in Queensland and especially Brisbane.
The breeding cycle of a tick
There are four stages to the life cycle: eggs, larvae, nymph and adult. The larvae are the most active in the autumn months while the nymphs and adults are most active in the spring and summer months. Contrary to popular belief, ticks rarely drop down from high branches but rather climbing a maximum height of 50cm, usually on some tall grass or plant, where they wait for a host (read: you or your favourite four legged pal) to come past so they can latch on and find a concealed place (between a fold or crevice) and begin to feed. During this process they pierce the skin with their sharp mouth parts and inject an anticoagulant so the blood doesn’t clot and they have an uninterrupted flow of blood. The saliva of the paralysis tick can be highly toxic to humans and pets.
Early signs of tick bites to your animal
Early symptoms of tick paralysis may include rashes, headaches, fever, flu like symptoms, tender lymph nodes, photo-sensitivity, weakness of limbs and facial muscles. If you display any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention. Paralysis ticks can also affect pets like dogs and cats. The early signs that your cat or dog has been bitten by a tick are: vomiting/retching and coughing, heavy or laboured breathing, alteration of your pet’s vocal sounds, loss of coordination in the hind legs, loss of appetite, progressive paralysis to include forelegs. Many pets may become distressed and confused and eventually the paralysis will prevent the chest muscles from expanding making it impossible for the animal to fill its’ lungs with oxygen. From the onset of symptoms death from paralysis can be as little as 2-4 days. If your pet displays any of these symptoms you should search their fur for ticks, remove it immediately and keep your pet in a cool comfortable place until you can get them to a vet.
Vets have reported a very busy tick season this year, warning pet owners to be vigilant and check their pets every day for ticks. As the weather continues to warm up and we move into spring, adult ticks are going to be very active and experts are expecting a very busy season.
Tick Control for your yard
A preventative tick treatment of your yard will prove far cheaper and less stressful than a visit to your local vet after you pet has been bitten by a tick. We have had customers tell us they have spent anywhere from $800 to $2000 on vet bills for their pet to be treated after being bitten by a paralysis tick. A Results Home Services Tick Treatment could save you all that heartache and cost. During a tick treatment our qualified technician uses a “fogger” to disperse the tick product throughout your gardens, trees, lawns and pool areas to create a tick & mosquito free barrier. This treatment will wipe out the breeding adults and remain on foliage surfaces so any larvae that hatch will come into contact with the treatment and die. This treatment will break the breeding cycle and keep your home tick free for up to 3 months with top up treatments being recommended in 4-6 weeks in the peak tick season (summer and spring).
Contact Us
Don’t wait for your four legged friend to be attacked by a tick, take action now and call us on 3823 2500 and ask us about our tick treatment. It’s highly effective and will always be cheaper than an unknown vet bill. We service all of Brisbane and surrounding areas.