How to Get Rid of Ticks

What most people know about a tick bite is that it can cause the nasty Lyme disease in dogs and also in humans. Apart from this disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, monocytic ehrlichoisis, rocky mountain spotted fever and tick associated rash illness are other illnesses transmitted from a tick. Getting rid of these small blood sucking parasites and managing their population is not a daunting task as it may seem. There are two types of ticks; ticks with soft outer shell and ticks with hard outer shell. The soft outer shell ticks stay in crevices and reveal themselves only when in search for meal. The hard shelled ones are the reasons of concern, as these ticks keep themselves attached to their host for a longer period of time. Apart from feeding on other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, these parasites are mostly found among pets and humans. Having had a brief description about ticks, let's come down to the section of how to get rid of ticks?

How to Get Rid of Ticks in the Yard?
Ticks do not prefer short and trimmed grasses but they are fan of weeds, brush and tall grasses. The reason for their adherence towards tall grasses is because of the fact that they climb on top of them and wait to attack their prey (preferably you and your pets). So keeping the landscape neat and trimmed is the first line of defense against increasing tick population and getting rid of them at the same time. Spraying basil infused water is also effective in getting rid of ticks in the yard. To prepare the mixture, place a basil plant into a jar of water and allow it to sit for about two hours.

How to Get Rid of Ticks in the House?
Keeping your pets from wandering in the yard or woods can be helpful in getting rid of ticks in homes. Dogs and cats are the most common hosts of ticks, and so are the primary carriers of these insects into homes and ultimately onto humans. So, it is advisable to check for ticks each time your pets return indoors, lest they might be carrying some of these parasites. You can go for veteran-approved tick repellent for your pets which would kill the ticks that come in contact with them. Tick and flea collars are also available to get rid of ticks from pets. Apart from all these measures, giving a good bath to your pets prove more effective.

During summers, kids often go around playing outdoors in tall grasses, woods and the like. So it is necessary that you check your kids' upper back, back of the neck, behind the ears and hair, for ticks. It is also good to advise your kids to avoid playing in areas where there are possibilities of tick invasion.

Bringing home some Guinea hens is also an effective method of getting rid of ticks in house. These hens are known to be good tick hunters, and can help in reducing tick population. Non-toxic pesticides are organic by nature, and can be used in your house for tick problems. Vacuum your house regularly and clean your clothes if you suspect tick invasion. Carpets, furniture and things that are mostly used must be sprayed with non-toxic pesticide to get rid of ticks. If in case you are not aware about the right kind of pesticides for ticks, then it is wise to take help of pest control experts.

If proper prevention methods are followed against tick invasion in the first place, then the question of how to get rid of ticks, hold no importance. If you have a garden to work upon, then be sure to wear light and full sleeve clothes while working. After you are done with your work, check for any ticks on your clothes and get hold of them using a pair of tweezers. Do not throw them in a dustbin or elsewhere, but burn them or immerse them in a bottle of alcohol. Avoid touching the ticks with bare hands as this may lead to infection. The above techniques combined with proper hygiene, are the best way to get rid of ticks from your house and nearby surroundings.