One of the main concerns every outdoors-loving Maryland resident has during the warm weather is ticks.
One of the main concerns every outdoors-loving Maryland resident has during the warm weather is ticks. Beyond the thousands of reported cases of Lyme disease in Maryland every year, ticks carry many other diseases and transmit them to humans and other animals. While much is still unknown about the illnesses ticks carry, we can still be mindful of their presence and take action to reduce their numbers on residential properties. Keep reading to learn about the common ticks in Maryland and how to protect yourself from disease.
Black-Legged Ticks
Also known as deer ticks, these pests are prevalent in white-tailed deer habitats, including deciduous forests throughout the state. Deer ticks are the main transmitter of Lyme disease in Maryland and other serious diseases. Adult deer ticks are active all year, but nymphs and larvae are typically found from May-August and July-September. Deer ticks spend their time in areas with low vegetation and the possibility of a host walking by. They are often found in transitional areas between the woods and yards.
American Dog Ticks
As the name suggests, American dog ticks are local to North America, and their preferred hosts are dogs. These ticks like to hide in grassy areas with some vegetation. They hide in areas where larger mammals are likely to walk by. Since they are attracted to the scent of animals, American dog ticks like to hide in the vegetation along the edges of trails where animals tend to walk.
Brown Dog Ticks
Brown dog ticks get their name from their color and their preferred host. These are one of the few species of ticks that do well indoors. Most ticks require higher humidity levels to survive, but brown dog ticks can thrive in the low humidity of your home. This makes them an issue for homeowners because they can infest your home once inside.
What Diseases do Ticks Spread?
Tick bites are small but can be very harmful. They tend to latch onto the back of your knees, inner thighs, underarms, and around the ears. Transmission rates differ based on the disease and type of tick, but they can spread multiple diseases simultaneously. Diseases ticks can carry include:
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Tick Paralysis
Common symptoms of tick-borne diseases include:
- Chills/Fever
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you find a tick on you or a loved one, remove it with clean tweezers. Grab as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up. If any parts of the tick are still in the skin, pull them out too. Then, clean the area with alcohol and wash your hands to reduce the spread of infection.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
It is best to leave pest control to the professionals. At On The Green Inc, we have the experience, knowledge, and tools needed to remove ticks from your property.
All lawns are susceptible to pests like ticks during the fall. Keep an eye out for ticks hiding in the grass or around your foundation. Check out our Flea, Ant, and Tick Control Services for more information on protecting your property.
On The Green, Inc. Lawn Care is Here for You!
On The Green, Inc. was established back in 1994. We started as a small business that served the local area. In the decades since, we’ve expanded tremendously. Incorporated in 1997, our brand has become renowned throughout the state of Maryland. Email us at [email protected], call us at 410-695-0444, and find us at our street address: 777 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054. Grow with us on Facebook and Google!