They may look the same at first glance, but for Davenport residents, you’re likely to run into three different types of ticks:
- Lone star ticks: With reddish-brown color, lone star ticks have a single “star” dot on their back, and they’re capable of transmitting diseases like tularemia and STARI.
- American Dog ticks: With brown and white markings, American dog ticks are common carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted Feveracks. These ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- American Dog ticks: With brown and white markings, American dog ticks are common carriers of Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.
Not every single tick bite transmits disease, but it is a risk. Here’s what Davenport homeowners should know about how to deal with a tick bite, potential warning signs after the bite, and what to do if your property has a tick problem.
How To Get Rid Of A Tick Bite In Davenport, IA
Unfortunately, tick bites aren’t always noticed immediately. While ticks use their hooks to dig into your skin and latch on, some tick bites can go unnoticed for up to a week. Regardless of when you notice it, the steps for getting rid of a tick bite are still the same:
- Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick and remove it from your skin. Be careful to grasp the tick’s head and not their body, as pulling on the body can sometimes leave the head attached, especially if you jerk or twist as you pull.
- If you can, try to identify the specific type of tick that’s bitten you.
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or wrapping it up in tape and throwing it in the garbage.
- Clean the site of the bite with soap and water.
- In the coming days, watch out for warning signs that may indicate a tick-borne disease.
The longer a tick stays embedded in your skin the greater the chances are of it transmitting disease so it is important to take these steps as soon as possible. It is also helpful to take note of the date and location of the bite in case symptoms arise later.
Warning Signs Of A Tick-Borne Disease In Davenport, IA
Not all tick bites will result in a tick-borne disease, but if you do have one, it’s important to know the warning signs of what these illnesses look like:
- Fever: Fever and chills are the most common symptoms of any tick-borne disease.
- Rash: Most tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, tularemia, or RMSF, cause distinctive rashes.
- Aches and pains: In the days following the bite, you may experience muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches.
If you begin noticing any of the symptoms after a tick bite, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The Most Effective Form Of Tick Control In Davenport, IA
While it may be normal to encounter the occasional tick during the spring and summertime, you shouldn’t have to deal with these pests regularly. Constant tick bites or problems could indicate a tick infestation on your Davenport property.
The best way to deal with ticks on your Davenport property is by using professional help, and that starts with Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators. With more than 85 years of serving Davenport and surrounding areas, we understand how to combat ticks and make them a problem of the past.
Call us at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators today for more advice about our tick control services if you think you’ve got a tick problem around your property.