How Can an Exterminator Eliminate Your Yard's Tick Pest Problem?

Where are the ticks in your yard? If you've seen a few of these pests outdoors or your pet or a household member carried one in, you may question where the ticks came from.

Tick extermination is not a do-it-yourself pest control job. Not only should you leave the actual elimination up the professional, but you should also let the expert handle the exterior inspection. A pest control pro can:

• Safely search for ticks. Your efforts to hunt under bushes, behind shrubs, or in wooded areas of your yard could put you at risk for a tick bite. If you aren't sure where to look or how to safely inspect your property, hire an exterminator to evaluate the area.
• Conduct a full search. Even though ticks prefer areas with leaf litter, tall grass, or other similar plant life, you may not know every outdoor space to search. The exterminator can conduct a complete inspection and find hidden infestation areas you may not know about.
• Look for other pests. Ticks don't only feed on humans. They also feed on other animal hosts. Some pests, such as raccoons or skunks, may harbor and transport ticks into your yard.
• Make recommendations. After the pest control professional finds tick-infested areas, you need to take action. The exterminator can recommend ways to remediate the problem and remove excess plant life that harbors the pests.
  

An exterior inspection is the first step to tick control. Now that you know what a pest control professional can do to find the problem areas, move on to the next step — treatment. If you're tempted to spray your yard, think again. Even though it might seem like a cost-saving strategy, this job requires a professional approach.

Tick Treatment

Ticks are outdoor invaders. But that doesn't mean they can't, or won't, come indoors. Most ticks hitchhike on a human or animal host. Unlike other types of pests, they don't come inside to look for warmth, a meal, or moisture. Instead, they're already attached to their food source.

According to the University of Rhode Island, without a host, deer ticks typically won't survive for more than 24 hours inside of a home. This means you'll likely won’t need to treat your home's interior. But you will need to treat the exterior yard if the exterminator detects an infestation.

An exterminator can:

• Eliminate other animals. Again, other pests can attract ticks or carry them into your yard. Rodents, raccoons, and other wild animals can start a tick infestation or keep it going. The exterminator may include these pests in their treatment plan.
• Choose the appropriate type of tick control. Pest control isn't a job for a novice. Failure to choose the right treatment or use it correctly can result in a re-infestation or cause a serious safety issue.
• Create an ongoing maintenance plan. Tick control may take time. A one-time-and-you're-done approach may result in a re-infestation. The exterminator can recommend a treatment plan for routine maintenance.
  

If you're not sure who to hire for your extermination issue, ask your potential pest control contractor about the company's experience and the technician's expertise. Make sure they have specialized knowledge of ticks and how to eliminate this type of infestation. Along with questions about expertise and experience, ask the contractor for references from past or current customers.

Do you have a backyard tick issue? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information on treatments and routine maintenance services.