Ticks and Their Control
Ticks are small, insect-like parasites that feed on the blood of various animals. There are many, many species of ticks in the United States, but the three most commonly encountered as pests are the American Dog Tick, the Brown Dog Tick, and the Deer Tick. The American Dog Tick and the Deer Tick are of special concern as they are known disease vectors.
| American Dog Tick |
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| The American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is about 1/8 inch long and is dark brown with an irregular pattern of white markings on the body region behind the head. Like all ticks, adults have eight legs. American Dog Ticks are known vectors of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and are suspected by some entomologists of being able to transmit Lyme Disease. |
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Deer Tick |
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| Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are very tiny creatures who develop by incomplete metamorphosis. Adult deer ticks are only slightly larger than a pinhead, and the larvae are barely visible to the naked eye. Deer ticks are known vectors of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. |
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Control of Ticks
Tick Control is accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the specie, location, and season. Most commonly, we spray liquid insecticides on lawns, shrubs, and other in affected areas and as a barrier treatment around buildings. In some cases, control measures for rodents, birds, or other intermediary hosts may also be needed.
For the most effective control of ticks and prevention of the diseases they carry, environmental controls are also important. These include:
- Cleaning up leaf litter and other debris.
- Keeping lawns well manicured and clearing areas of high grasses and weeds.
- Excluding deer and other animals from areas used by humans for homes and recreation.
- Practicing good landscaping and general pest control (especially rodent control).
If you suspect that you have a problem with ticks, or for any pest control problem, please contact us for a prompt, professional evaluation and an individual treatment plan.
Buckingham Pest Control serves the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area.