Fleas and ticks are more than just nuisances – these pests can pose serious health risks to both humans and animals. If you live in Kansas, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that fleas and ticks can pose, as well as how to identify and prevent bites. Here’s what you need to know about flea and tick control in Kansas.
When Are Fleas and Ticks Active?
Fleas and ticks are most active during the warmer months of the year – from late spring through early fall. However, depending on the climate, they may also be active during other times of the year as well. In Kansas, for example, fleas and ticks may be active year-round due to the milder climate.
How to Identify Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are small, wingless insects that range in color from reddish-brown to black. They have flattened bodies, which make it easy for them to move through fur or hair. Ticks are small parasites that attach themselves to the skin of their host – usually an animal or human. Ticks are brown or black in color and have a hard shell. Some ticks may also be patterned with white or gray markings.
How Dangerous Are Fleas and Ticks?
Fleas can transmit diseases to both humans and animals, including typhus and plague. Ticks can also transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick-borne illness in Kansas. Symptoms of these diseases include fever, chills, body aches, rash, and more. If left untreated, these diseases can be deadly.
How to Treat a Bite
If you think you’ve been bitten by a flea or tick, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. In some cases, a bite may not require treatment if it’s not infected. However, if the bite is infected or if you develop any symptoms of a disease after being bitten, you’ll need to receive medical treatment right away.
How to Prevent Bites
The best way to prevent bites is to avoid contact with fleas and ticks altogether. If you’re going to be outdoors in an area where fleas or ticks might be present – such as in woods or tall grasses – wear long pants and long sleeves that are tightly woven so that fleas or ticks can’t get through them easily. You should also apply an insect repellent that contains DEET prior to going outdoors. Inspect your clothing for fleas or ticks when you come back inside, and take a shower as soon as possible after being outdoors so that you can remove any hitchhikers before they have a chance to bite you.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
Fleas and ticks are more than just nuisances – these pests can pose serious health risks to humans and animals alike. If you live in an area where these pests are prevalent – such as Kansas – it’s important to take measures to prevent bites (such as wearing long pants and using insect repellent) and know how to identify symptoms of diseases so that you can seek medical attention immediately if necessary.
By taking these precautions, you’ll help keep yourself safe from these dangerous pests! Be sure to contact a local pest control company for more help keeping your property safe!
