Tick Pest Control in Phoenix, Arizona

Are Ticks Harmful?

Not only do ticks suck blood from their host, but they can also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, or Lyme disease. 

If bitten by a tick, the sooner you remove it, the better. Follow CDC guidelines for proper removal. Use tweezers and try to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible, then pull straight up. To avoid releasing fluids into the wound, try not to squeeze the tick’s body when pulling it out. 

Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If mouthparts do break off and remain in the skin, tweezers are, again, a good tool for removal. If, however, you are unable to remove these mouthparts easily, leave the wound alone, and let it heal. 

After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, and soap, and water.

How is Your Dog Picking Up Ticks?

Ticks reside in areas where there’s a lot of debris. They can be found underneath piles of leaves, long vegetation, and woodpiles. If your dog likes to play in areas with a large amount of debris, it can bring ticks back. 

Dog parks are a big factor when it comes to tick bites in dogs. Visiting a dog park puts your pet at high risk of picking up ticks from other dogs. That’s why veterinarians recommend treating your dog for ticks before and after dog park visits.

Ways to Protect Your Dog From Ticks

• Keep your pets away from tall grass and areas with heavy debris.
• Avoid dog parks and other areas where there are known tick infestations.
• Utilize veterinarian-recommended tick treatment products for your pet.
• Regularly check your dog for ticks.

DIY Tick Repellant

Knowing that twenty-five species of tick reside in Arizona, it’s no wonder you’re looking to protect yourself and your family from a tick bite and all the dangers that come with it. You might already possess some common natural repellents that could be used alongside professional tick control services and extermination.

Some natural, over-the-counter concoctions for tick repellent include: 

• Cedar Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Neem Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Essential Oils (such as lemon, orange, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, and cinnamon)
• Eating Garlic

A simple recipe you can try to ward off ticks includes:

Ingredients:

• 30 drops of essential oil (choose one or a combination of the following: cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, or lemongrass)
• 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon of water
• A small spray bottle

After mixing the ingredients together and shaking the bottle, apply it directly to the skin and clothes like you would mosquito spray. Reapply every few hours, especially if you’re spending extensive time outdoors.