S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Ticks and Fleas » Lone Star Ticks:

Lone Star Ticks
Amblyomma americanum
Color: Grayish-brown to brown with a white dot, that looks like a star, in the center top of the abdomen.
Legs: Eight
Shape: Flat; broad oval
Size: 1/4"
Antennae: No
Flight: No

Over the past several years, this tick has started to become fairly abundant in the midwest. Although Lone Star Ticks are most active in May and June it is possible to find the adults active on warm days throughout the winter and early spring. Since the Lone Star tick can carry both Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, it is important to know the signs of both

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 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.

Lyme Disease most often begins with the appearance of a spreading rash at the site of the bite. This rash, called erthema chronicum migrans or ECM, is seen in about 60% of patients. Most victims of Lyme Disease report a flu-like illness at first, and often dismiss the symptoms as a “24 hour bug,” overexertion or lack of rest. Lyme Disease is very difficult to diagnose because each victim’s symptomatology can be different. For more information about Lyme Disease, please visit the CDC webiste.

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.