There are three varieties of ticks in Virginia that we need to be especially cautious of because of their ability to transmit disease. These particular parasites are the American Dog tick, the Lonestar tick and the Deer tick.

These ticks have the ability to vector and transmit to people Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, southern tick-associated rash illness, heartland disease, and tick-bite induced red meat allergy and even paralysis if bitten near the neck.

Ticks aren’t just found in deep woods, they penetrate our outdoor living areas through smaller animals like squirrels, birds, rabbits, moles and voles. This is because the American Dog and Lonestar ticks are 3-host ticks which require larger and larger animals or humans to feed on as they develop into adults.

Female ticks have the ability to overwinter and in early spring through July can lay 3,000 to 6,500 eggs in a sheltered location outside. Development from egg to adult can be completed in three months, but can be prolonged for up to 2 years as ticks are remarkably resistant to starvation. Unfed adults (blood meal) can live for 2 to 3 years.

What should you do to help prevent ticks on your property

Because ticks cannot survive for long indoors, outdoor control is necessary. Debris and excess ground cover should be removed to discourage rodent and other small animal activity. Tick harborage areas and questing areas where a tick waits for a host animal or human should be reduced by cutting high grass and weeds. From the ground level and up to several feet off the ground is where most ticks are waiting for a new host to feed on.

When outdoors and in areas where the conditions are conducive to ticks, consider wearing light colored clothing that is long-sleeved and long pants, and treat clothing and skin with repellents. Pets who spend time outdoors should have proper tick protection to prevent transmitting these pests indoors.  

Professional control methods like those offered by Vine & Branch Pest Control Solutions are the best way to prevent tick infestations on your property. Our Outdoor Liberty Mosquito, Flea & Tick Solution provides long-lasting control methods and are effective and safely applied for people and pets. Check out our service are and contact us today through our website, www.vineandbranchpestcontrol.com or call 804-324-4550