Rocky Mountain Tick Facts
As you might’ve guessed, these ticks are getting their Rocky Mountain high all over Colorado and in the rest of the mountainous regions of the United States. They can carry a variety of diseases that are harmful to both humans and animals.
Rocky Mountain Tick Bites
For such small animals, Rocky Mountain ticks can spread a wide range of diseases. Most notable for this particular pest is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). This disease causes a rash to spread all over the body. Those infected will later develop cramping, muscle pain, fever, and nausea among other severe symptoms. If left unchecked or untreated, this disease can be fatal.
Rocky Mountain ticks need only two hours to transmit disease, so early action is essential. While RMSF is one of the more well-known diseases associated with this tick, it can also spread Colorado Tick Fever and tularemia which can cause paralysis in the affected person if the tick feeds for at least five days.
Rocky Mountain Tick Infestation
Similar to other wood ticks, the Rocky Mountain tick feeds on three hosts over the course of it’s development. Young ticks will attach to a small animal, feed, and then release themselves. This process happens a total of three times, and with each stage, the tick gets bigger and the amount of blood it ingests increases.
Rocky Mountain Tick Identification
Types of Rocky Mountain Ticks
Adult Rocky Mountain ticks have brown, oval-shaped bodies that measure up to 5/8 of an inch after blood feeding. At that point, they will turn somewhat gray.
Rocky Mountain Ticks in the Yard & House
You’ll find these ticks hiding out in areas thick with vegetation and overgrown vegetation. This allows them to easily attach to any host that may be passing by, often going unnoticed. Most often, these ticks will be more active in warmer months, coming out toward the middle of spring and staying around for the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prevent Rocky Mountain tick bites?
You’ll always want to wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and high socks if you’re going to be in wooded areas. Tuck in any article of clothing you can so that ticks can’t creep inside. Always inspect your body and clothes after these excursions.
It doesn’t hurt to keep areas around your home neatly trimmed, either. Clean landscaping that doesn’t harbor moisture will help keep ticks at bay.
How do you remove Rocky Mountain ticks?
If you’re bitten by a tick, removing it with a fine-tipped set of tweezers is the best way to get rid of it.
Grab the tick as close to the surface of the skin as you can, and pull upward with a steady motion without any twisting or jerking.
After removing it, wash your hands and the affected area with iodine, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water to disinfect it. Dispose of the tick either in a toilet, or wrap it tightly in tissue and put in in the trash.
What are the benefits of professional tick control and removal?
A licensed pest control specialist has the educational background, equipment, and skill to effectively and safely address a pest or wildlife problem.
Tick infestations are especially difficult to handle due to their small size and unnoticeable attacks. To protect yourself, pets, and loved ones, it’s best to enlist an experienced pest control expert to remove a tick infestation or other lawn pest problem from the property.
To learn more about how a pest control specialist can help effectively solve a lawn pest problem or to schedule a free inspection, contact us.
