Tick season is fast approaching, are you ready?
With a mild winter and a dose of rain, followed by warm weather, usually indicates to us that tick season is close. Ideal conditions for ticks, in particular the Paralysis Tick, is moist humid conditions, long grass, bushland (containing native wildlife) and Coastal areas. It is no wonder residents of Wakerley, Gumdale and Ransome have such highly reported incidents of tick cases.
When it comes to tick protection, the first thing that springs into one's mind is protecting the dog. But have you ever thought that some of your other pets or even your children could also be at risk? If your property backs onto bushland or property with long grass, the chances of ticks posing a threat to your yard becomes even greater. Often ticks are introduced to your property by the tick attaching itself to native wildlife, such as possums or bats.
Like most dog lovers in our area, I enjoy taking our dog “Tess” for walks around the Mookin-ban Reserve and Lota Wetlands. These are such great places to walk dogs. If you are a local and up early you may have even seen me around. Taking Tess for walks through these areas on a regular basis certainly increases her chance of picking up ticks, which in the past has happened. Speaking with many dog owners in the area, they also have had the misfortune of their pet bringing a tick home.
Ticks can also be introduced to your property through many types of wildlife. In the autumn, ticks will grow from larvae (or seed/grass ticks) to nymphs. They will then find a host to feed from. This is when they will drop from their host . That host could be possums, bats, birds or other native mammals and on the odd occasion - humans. Ticks will feed and drop approximately three times as they molt and grow from nymphs into adults. It’s the feed and drop habit of the young tick that may cause them to end up in your backyard. Putting your children, dog, cat or other pets at risk.
There is some practical things that you can do to help protect yourself, your family and your pets from ticks. Caution to ticks needs to start at the beginning of tick season, which is typically towards the end of August.
Tick Prevention for your property
Cut long grass or weeds
Whipper snip and keep you grass well mowed.
Cut over-hanging branches that encourage wildlife, such as possums, onto your property
Tick prevention during tick season when walking your dog
Consider wearing a long sleeved shirt
Long pants with tucked in socks
Clothing that is lighter in colour makes it easier to see if you have picked up a tick
Consider applying a repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin.
Tick Prevention for your Pets
Ensure your pet is up to date with a vet recommended tick treatment program
Check your dog for ticks after walks, pay special to:
Under collar
Under tail and groin area
Under front legs
Between the toes
In and around the ears.
Tick Removal
If available spray the tick with aerosol insect repellent that contains a pyrethrin or pyrethroid chemical. Apply at least twice with a one minute interval between applications.
Ideally removal of ticks should be done with tweezers/forceps.
Firmly grasp the tick as close as possible to the skins surface.
Pull upward firmly, but steadily avoiding twisting or jerking the tick.
The wound should be treated with an antiseptic cream.
Do not attempt to remove if you suffer reactions to ticks - seek medical advice
If you are concerned about ticks this season, we recommend our full mosquito/tick spray treatment to your yard. Not only does our mosquito/tick treatment prevent ticks and mosquitoes, but it also reduces the chance of heart worm being passed onto your pets via mosquitoes. This treatment is especially advisable if your property backs onto bushland or if your property is easily accessible to wildlife. At Results Home Services we specialise in Mosquitoes and Tick Treatments. We also offer a “Summer Plan” that will protect you, your family and your pets from ticks and help reclaim your backyard from mosquitoes for the whole of the summer. For more information on this treatment please contact us 3823 2500.