American Dog Ticks

What are American dog ticks?

As you can probably guess, the American dog tick received it named because of its preference for feeding on the blood of domesticated dogs, although they will also happily feed on a wide variety of other mammals. Adult American dog ticks are brownish in color with white or yellow markings on them.  Females have “marbled” markings only on the upper surface of front part of their bodies, while males have the same “marbled” markings going across the entire upper surface of their body. Before feeding adult American dog ticks are about 3/16th of an inch in length and have an oval shaped body. After having a blood meal they grow to about 5/8th of an inch in length and become very swollen. Like other species of ticks they are wingless and cannot fly or jump.

Why do I have them?

American dog ticks are usually introduced onto properties by wild animals, they drop off of their host once full, and into your grass. They will then wait until they are ready for another meal and attach themselves to a new host, which unfortunately could by you, your kids, or your pets. Along with being found in yards they are also commonly be found in the grasses and vegetation found in parks, fields, along wooded paths, in vacant lots, and alongside of roads. American dog ticks do not survive well indoors.

Are they dangerous?

Yes, American dog ticks are considered to be a dangerous pest, and have the ability to transmit dangerous bacteria into the host’s bloodstream through their saliva while feeding. The pathogens in its saliva can transmit things like canine tick paralysis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and babesiosis.

How do I get rid of American dog ticks?

Eliminating American dog ticks from a property can be very difficult because they can be continuously introduced by wild animals. To control American dog ticks on your property, you need the knowledge and experience of a trained professional. The highly trained exterminators here at American Pest understand the habits and habitats of brown dog ticks and can control them through our seasonal tick control services or residential Preferred Care programs. Give us a call to learn more about controlling ticks on your property through our professional, effective and comprehensive services!

Can I do it myself?

There are many DIY products on the market to “eliminate ticks”, but the truth of the matter is that these products are mostly ineffective, to truly control ticks on a property areas infested by ticks need to be  treated and maintained consistently. Also, many of the products at big box stores can be very harmful to people and pets if not used or mixed correctly. The best solution to a tick infestation is to contact the tick control experts at American Pest; our professionals can control tick populations on Washington, D.C. area properties and keep them from becoming a nuisance and danger to you, your family, and pets.

How soon can you get here?

At American Pest, we pride ourselves on our speed and level of service. For that reason, we make every effort to make sure we can be with you the same or the very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Every product used by American Pest has first been extensively tested by the EPA and is registered for pest control use. Only then do we apply it following a strict set of guidelines for use around humans and pets.

How can I prevent this in the future?

American dog ticks and ticks, in general, are very difficult pests to prevent from being introduced onto your property. However, in addition to putting into place a seasonal tick control service or a year-round pest control plan from American Pest, there are some steps that you can take around your property to help prevent an American dog tick infestation.

• Dogs and cats that spend time both inside and outside of your home should be treated with a tick preventative under the guidance of their veterinarian.

• Pets should be inspected daily for the presence of ticks on their body.

• Make sure that wooded areas or areas of heavy vegetation on your property are cut back away from your lawn.

• Keep the grass on your property mowed short.

• When spending time outside in areas that may harbor ticks wear long pants, sleeves, and closed toe shoes.  Inspect yourself and your children for ticks before coming inside.

• Consider removing bird feeders and other wildlife feeders from your property that may attract wild animals to it.