S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Ticks and Fleas » Dog Ticks:

Dog Ticks
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Color: Dark brown to black body
Legs: Eight
Shape: Flat; broad oval
Size: 1/4"
Antennae: No
Flight: No

The adult American dog tick feeds on a wide variety of medium to large size animals, including humans. The brown dog tick is important because it is known to transmit diseases to humans, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, human babesiosus, and human ehrlichiosis. In addition, the threat of bacterial infection is possible at the site of any tick bite, and, in rare cases, may even result in blood poisoning.

Since the adult American dog ticks are the primary transmitter of spotted fever, it is important to know the symptoms. Symptoms appear 3 to 12 days after tick contact. There is a sudden onset of symptoms that include fever, headache, and aching muscles. A rash usually develops on the wrists and ankles on the second or third day of fever. The rash then spreads to involve the rest of the body, including the palms and soles. If you experience fever following tick contact, see your physician. It is important to receive the appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible if spotted fever is suspected. For more information, please visit the CDC website.

Feeding pets garlic, brewer's yeast or B vitamins has not been shown to be effective against fleas or ticks. Also, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea leaves and citronella have not provided effective control. In fact, overdosing of garlic or onion can be irritating or toxic to pets. So please, contact you veterinarian before you start any flea and tick control program for your pet.

Prevention:

When in an area where ticks are common, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light colored so ticks will be easy to detect.
Tuck pants into socks.
Use an insect repellent containing moderate concentrations of DEET on the skin according to label directions.
When you return indoors, inspect clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, including head.
Wash clothes immediately.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.