How Can Tick Control for Yard Spaces Protect Your Family?

According to data published by the U.S. CDC in July 2024, state and local health departments throughout the country reported an average of 46,115 tick-borne diseases yearly from 2019 to 2022. From Lyme Disease to anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis, these are just some of the common illnesses these parasitic arachnids bring.

Although not all tick bites cause disease, many do, and in some cases, they can lead to severe illnesses. The good news is that implementing tick control for yard spaces can help minimize your and your family’s risk of getting ill due to these parasites.

So, join us today at Fast Action Pest Control as we share how yard and outdoor tick solutions can help protect you and your loved ones (including your beloved pets) in the Sacramento, California area from these blood-sucking critters and the diseases they carry and transmit.

Prevent Disease-Causing Tick Bites

Ticks transmit pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses) to their hosts (humans and other animals) through the process of feeding. Once they attach themselves to a host, they cut into the surface of the host’s skin and insert a feeding tube.

Depending on the species, some ticks can secrete tiny amounts of saliva containing anesthetic properties. As a result, the host may not feel the tick feeding on their blood.

If the tick carries pathogens, it may then transmit these disease-causing microorganisms into the host’s body. Below is a brief overview of some of the most common tick-borne diseases that make tick prevention and control necessary, especially in the outdoor spaces of your home in the Sacramento, California area, such as your yard.

Lyme Disease

As the California Department of Public Health notes, there are at least seven tick-borne diseases in California. Lyme disease is among the most common. It’s an infectious bacterial disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which blacklegged ticks can carry and transmit.

People who get bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi may experience flu-like symptoms and develop a rash, often characterized by a bullseye-like appearance. If not treated, the disease can become more severe.

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia

Spotted fever group Rickettsia are bacteria that can cause Pacific Coast tick fever (PCTF) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF typically comes from the bite of the following ticks:

• American dog tick
• Pacific Coast tick
• Brown dog tick

The symptoms of Spotted fever group Rickettsia often include rashes and a fever. As for dogs, MSD Manual says early signs of RMSF include:

• High fever (up to 105°F)
• Appetite loss
• Lymph node inflammation
• Joint inflammation
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Facial or extremity swelling

In severe cases, especially if left untreated, these tick-borne diseases can be deadly to both humans and animals.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is another bacterial infection that can result from a tick bite. Ticks that carry the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum can transmit these pathogens to humans and animals, including dogs and horses.

Some of the symptoms of anaplasmosis are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle aches

Some people may also experience rashes, vomiting, and coughing. While the symptoms may be mild in most people, those with compromised immune systems (including older adults) may develop a severe illness and may even require hospitalization.

Keep Your Beloved Furry Family Member Safe

Tick control for yard spaces is just as crucial to your pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, or horses. As mentioned above, some tick-borne diseases can affect these animals, and they can even be deadly. For instance, according to the American Kennel Club, around 1% to 10% of dogs with RMSF die due to the disease.

Minimize the Risks of Diseases Spreading

Not all ticks carry pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi or spotted fever group Rickettsia. However, they can become infected if they feed on a host infected by these disease-causing microorganisms. Then, once infected, they can transmit and spread the disease to another person or animal.

For example, suppose that you’re among the 57.2% of pet-owning households in California (per Dogster.com) with a dog. Unfortunately, your beloved canine family member contracted Lyme disease after getting bitten by a tick. Then, another uninfected tick bites your dog.

The second tick can then become infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. The now-infected tick can move to a new host (e.g., you). If you get bitten by this tick, you can contract Lyme disease, too.

All that should be enough reason to implement strategies for tick control for yard spaces, which should include:

• Keeping the lawn and decorative plants regularly trimmed and well-maintained
• Eliminating leaf and grass litter from the yard
• Placing a tick barrier consisting of a 3-foot wood chip or gravel border between the lawn and any overgrown natural or unmaintained areas you live next to
• Protecting your pets with safe and vet-approved tick control medications and vaccinations
• Applying area and perimeter yard pesticide treatments approved by the U.S. EPA
• Partnering with a highly qualified and experienced tick removal and pest control company like Fast Action Pest Control

How Fast Action Pest Control Can Help

At Fast Action Pest Control, we’re proud of our pest control services that are much more inclusive and comprehensive than those of other companies. We use several treatment methods, including caution-labeled products that are, in most cases, lower-toxicity than the cleaning solutions many homeowners use for cleaning their homes (and kitchen countertops).

In addition, we use non-repellent pesticides and apply them around a home’s exterior base. Plus, we use only the latest, most advanced pest control techniques such as:

• Eco-friendly pest control solutions
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods
• Immediate response extermination services

Through our comprehensive solutions, we can help keep not just ticks but many other household pests in California away from your home and your family.

Ready for Effective Tick Control for Yard Spaces?

As you learned in this guide, tick control for yard spaces can help protect you and your loved ones (including your beloved furry family members) by preventing tick-borne diseases. So, as early as now, implement our tips and consider partnering with Fast Action Pest Control.

Our company has been serving Northern California, including the Sacramento, CA, area, for over 15 years. We use environmentally responsible practices, and all our technicians are highly knowledgeable, trained, professional, and friendly.

Give us a call today so we can get started with your free inspection!