Many people are afraid of ticks, and for good reason. Not only do these parasitic arachnids latch onto people and suck our blood, their bites can also spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. You may be concerned about the possibility of a tick infestation inside your home in the Oklahoma City area. The good news is that ticks prefer to live outdoors; the bad news is that doesn’t mean they won’t come inside.
When ticks are found in an OKC home, the most likely reason is that they hitched a ride inside on the fur of a dog. Ticks feed on the blood of all mammals, and ticks in residential areas often target pet dogs, latching onto our furry friends when they’re wandering through the yard or the woods. After being brought inside by a dog, ticks may detach and move on to parasitize other living things in the home – people included. However, once the time comes to reproduce, ticks are likely to retreat outside.
In Oklahoma, ticks are active year-round, but their activity peaks between April and September. If you’re a dog owner, you should be vigilant for ticks clinging to your pet during these months. It may be wise to check your dog’s fur after they go for a walk through the woods or a run through a field. Treating your dog to prevent ticks will greatly reduce the risk of your pet falling victim and, by extension, will mitigate the risk of a tick infestation in your home.
Are you concerned about seeing ticks in your home or around your yard? Get in touch with Champion Pest & Lawn today if you’re looking for effective tick control services in the Oklahoma City metro area!