Tips to Survive Ticks in Arkansas and the Ozarks

You probably thought that since our area of the country experienced a cold winter with many days being below freezing that pests wouldn’t be such a problem. The reality is that most insects can withstand a harsh winter environment. This includes the tick. In fact, ticks don’t die in the winter, they just go dormant until temperatures rise above a certain point, or they latch on to an animal to keep warm and fed.

Ticks, Ticks, and More Ticks

In early June, ticks made headlines here in Arkansas. A Longhorned tick was discovered on a dog in Benton County. There are only three other states where the Longhorned tick has been identified. Why is this tick so concerning?

The Longhorned tick reproduces at a quick rate. Females can even reproduce without a male partner. They are also very small in size. And for those who raise livestock, this particular tick has been known to cause stunted growth and even death in livestock.

And like other ticks, the Longhorned tick is also known to transmit bacterial diseases like Lyme disease. Certain types of ticks in Arkansas are known to spread bacterial diseases and illnesses such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and more. From flu-like symptoms to keeping your chronically ill for a very long time, tick bites can cause more than just an annoying itching spot on your body.

With the recent reports of the Longhorned tick being discovered in Arkansas, most people have ticks on their radar…and they should. Here are a few tips to keep ticks out of your home and yard and what to do about ticks you find on your body.

How to Get Rid of Ticks in Your Yard and Home

While ticks can cause some horrible infections and diseases, the good news is that you can prevent the spread of tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Here are a few things you can do to keep ticks from making your home their home.

1. Mow the Yard

For most people, this is a must during the summer months. Most ticks prefer long, thick grass to hide out in. It’s also a good idea to remove any piles of leaves and cut down any thick bushes. You also want to make sure that you don’t have several plants and bushes near the house since this is how most pests easily gain entry into your home.

2. Get Rid of Rodents

Most ticks require a certain level of humidity in order to thrive. This is good news for homeowners because most ticks cannot survive inside of a home due to the lack of moisture. However, if you have a rodent problem, then ticks may find it easy to gain entry into your home and possibly survive long enough to pose a problem.

3. Use Plants that Deter

Like the smell of citronella is used to keep mosquitoes away, certain types of plants are used to keep ticks away. Try planting sage, mint, lavender, and eucalyptus around areas where you and your family like to spend quality time outdoors. Not only will you have a fresh aroma all around, but it could keep some of those ticks away.

4. Remove Ticks From Your Body

Keeping ticks out of your lawn in one thing. It’s another thing to keep ticks off your body. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Wear insect repellent!
• Cover your body. It may be hot, but clothing can keep ticks from latching onto your body.
• Take a shower immediately after coming inside, especially if you have spent time near tall grass.
• Check for ticks on a regular basis. The sooner you are able to remove a tick, the better your chances are of NOT getting a tick-borne illness.
• If you find a tick, remove it carefully and try not to squish it if possible. Remember to wash the area of the bite and your hands immediately after.

5. Call the Professionals at Hopper Termite & Pest

Not only tick annoying pests, but they can put you and your family at risk of developing serious health issues. Don’t just prevent ticks and tick bites, call in the professionals to eliminate ticks from your home environment.

With a free pest evaluation, our trained technicians can inspect your property and give you solutions for eliminating pests such as ticks and more. We two offices, located in Mountain Home and Springdale, Hopper Termite & Pest is able to provide service for several areas surrounding these towns and even southern Missouri.