Professional Residential, Commercial & Institutional Pest Control Services in Eastern & Central Missouri
Call or Text 636-297-1335
Call or Text 636-297-1335

Ticks

Ticks

HomeAll Services...Ticks

Ticks

HomeAll Services...Ticks
Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (May through September in Missouri). Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. They feed on hosts’ blood by “questing,” or extending their appendages outward to latch on to a human or animal. If at all possible, it’s strongly advised to avoid ticks all together. However, if you do run into ticks issues on your property, Hometown Pest Solutions can offer solutions.

Biology & Life Cycle

Ticks pass through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, nymph and adult. All stages except the egg are considered blood-sucking parasites. While the larva and nymphs often feed on smaller animals and birds, ticks are concerning to humans because of potential serious diseases they may carry that can affect humans and pets. Some ticks can live up to three years! However, ticks are incredibly dependent on finding suitable hosts and feeding on them.
Lone Star Tick
Lone Star Tick
American Dog Tick
American Dog Tick

Habitat

Immature and adult ticks are most likely to be encountered in brushy or wooded areas where hosts are most abundant, but they can also be found in lawns if their hosts are present. By far, the two most frequently encountered ticks in Missouri are the lone star tick and the American dog tick. Both of these ticks are capable of spreading tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain Fever and Lyme Disease.

Search for food

The “questing” or extending action described above makes ticks an especially patient pest. As potential hosts pass by questing ticks, the hooks on their front legs become attached to the host and pull the tick from the plant. Once on the host, ticks seek areas to settle, and use their mouthparts to cut a small hole in the host’s skin. The mouthparts are then inserted into the host to obtain blood.

Request a Free Pest Inspection

Request a Free Pest Inspection

Or call or text us at 636-297-1335

Or call or text us at 636-297-1335

Management & Eradication

While it is not uncommon to find ticks in suburban or pseudo-wooded areas, most ticks inhabit dense woods and brushy areas with abundant hosts (i.e. wildlife). These areas provide ticks the hosts’ blood they need to survive. Humans walking through these areas are prone to tick infestations. If you go into these areas, examine your body for ticks after removing your clothing. Or, ask someone else to do so, especially areas that you cannot see well like your back. If you notice a tick problem in or around your home, it’s wise to consider contacting a professional exterminator.

Please visit the University of Missouri’s Ticks webpage for more information about ticks.

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