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The soft, warm fur of cats and dogs provides the perfect environment for ticks. These pests feed on your pet’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to serious illness. Ticks are more common during the warmer months, but you can take steps toward them off any time of year.

The number one way to prevent ticks from entering your house is to treat your pets. If these parasites have infiltrated your home by means of a fur-baby, then it’s time to call in a professional.

We recommend relying on trained professionals when experiencing a tick infestation. The technicians at McCarthy Pest & Termite Control can rid you of the problem and make your home a tick-free zone.

There are four kinds of ticks commonly found in Kansas City, Missouri area:

Brown dog tick
American dog tick
Lone star tick
Deer tick
Each one has a hard shell covering its body for protection.

As ticks grow to maturity, they go through four stages. The tick starts life as an egg then hatches into a six-legged larva. As the tick develops, it gains another set of legs and becomes an eight-legged nymph. The nymph grows into an adult with a hard shell and reddish-brown appearance. The entire process can take up to three years.

Ticks attach themselves to a host then bore into their skin and gorge on blood. As they become engorged, ticks may develop a swollen, gray appearance. Once a tick is fully engorged, they release themselves and molt into the next stage of life, before beginning the process all over again.

Ticks are drawn to moist, shady areas and avoid sunny, dry areas. Since ticks cannot fly like mosquitos or jump like fleas, they have to find ways to attach themselves to a host. They often perch on blades of grass or low-hanging leaves along a path that is frequently traveled. As the host brushes by, the tick clutches onto their hair, skin, or fur. The tick then travels along the host, searching for a suitable location to feed.

You can help prevent ticks in your yard by getting rid of piles of brush, leaves, and grass. By regularly mowing the lawn and removing debris, you increase the likelihood that these pests will go elsewhere to feed.

Check Your Pets Regularly

Regularly check your pets by working through their fur, searching for any unusual bumps along the skin. Give your cats and dogs tick collars and use a tick spray regularly. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Ticks can be difficult to treat because of their hardy nature. They can live for long periods of time without feeding, and their hard shell makes them resilient in difficult environments. They can thrive in both hot and cold weather and reproduce quickly throughout Kansas City, Missouri area.

When you discover ticks on your pet or in your home, professional treatment is recommended. Call McCarthy Pest & Termite Control to help protect you, your pets, your yard, and your home from these blood-sucking pests. We offer effective and long-lasting treatments for eliminating ticks from your property now and preventing them from coming back in the future.