Many pet owners know to check their dogs for ticks after a hike through the woods or a trip to a local nature trail. What many don't realize is that some of the biggest tick risks may be closer to home than they think.
From suburban backyards and neighborhood walking trails to dog parks and overgrown grass along sidewalks, ticks are increasingly found in places where pets and people visit every day. As tick populations continue to grow throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, homeowners need to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to protect their furry family members.
When most people think about tick exposure, they picture heavily wooded areas. However, tick prevention experts warn that common areas, even within a home's property line, can pose many of the same risks.
Ticks are commonly found in:
According to recent CDC reports, emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest levels for this time of year since 2017. Warmer winters, earlier springs, and changing weather patterns are allowing ticks to survive longer and expand into new areas, increasing the likelihood of encounters close to home.
Wildlife plays a major role in spreading ticks throughout residential communities. Deer, rodents, rabbits, and even birds can carry ticks into suburban neighborhoods, where they may drop off and establish populations in yards and nearby green spaces.
This means that even pets that never leave your property may still be exposed.
Dogs that spend most of their time in fenced-in yards and outdoor cats can easily encounter ticks without ever entering a wooded area.
Veterinarians often see pet owners underestimate their pet's risk for tick exposure.
Many assume that because their pet spends little time outdoors or doesn't go hiking, tick prevention isn't necessary. Others wait until they find a tick before starting preventative treatments or discontinue protection during cooler months.
Unfortunately, it only takes a single tick bite to create a much bigger problem.
Many tick-borne illnesses are far easier to prevent than they are to treat. Consistent tick prevention helps reduce the risk of disease transmission and can provide year-round protection against changing tick activity.
If you discover a tick attached to your pet, remove it as soon as possible.
Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool:
Avoid popular internet remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol, or attempts to burn the tick off. These methods are ineffective and may increase the risk of complications.
Not every tick bite leads to illness, but pet owners should closely monitor their animals following potential exposure.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops symptoms such as:
Some tick-borne diseases can take days or even weeks to show symptoms. Because of this, it's important not to dismiss behavioral or health changes simply because the tick bite occurred some time ago.
When speaking with your veterinarian, be prepared to share where the tick was found, where it was attached, and how long it may have been present.
While pet preventatives play an important role in protection, reducing tick populations around your property provides another critical layer of defense.
Professional tick control services target the areas where ticks hide and breed, helping to lower tick activity in your yard and outdoor living spaces. By addressing tick populations at the source, homeowners can create a safer environment for both people and pets.
Viking Pest Control provides effective tick control solutions designed to help protect families throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Our customized pest management programs target ticks around your property so you, your loved ones, and your furry companions can enjoy the outdoors with greater peace of mind.
Don't let ticks take over your summer. Contact Viking Pest Control today to learn more about our professional tick services and year-round pest management solutions.