Tick season is officially here. That’s great news for those pesky eight-legged pests and bad news for you and your pets.
But it doesn’t have to be the worst news ever. Ignorance about ticks is one of the fueling factors that create a sense of dread when you are enjoying the outdoors with your pet – especially off the beaten path. One of the primary reasons pet owners fear ticks is that we’re not that informed about them. Sure, we know about some tick-borne diseases and other health problems. Yet, winning the fight against ticks starts with a better understanding of ticks.
The folks at TickZapper® know about ticks. This tick ID chart is a great first step in learning more about ticks – where to find them, when they’re most active, what types of health problems they cause, and much more.
Along with identification, you should also prepare for ticks with two other crucial steps:
- Create an anti-tick environment. For ticks, home sweet home means moist, shady areas with high grasses. Keep your lawn cut short, and keep weeds and shrubs under control. Another tactic is to build a mulch barrier along the edge of your yard if it borders a wooded area (the barrier needs to be a minimum of three feet wide).
- Consistently check your pet for ticks. Whether it is a simple walk around the block or a hike at your favorite park, ticks are on the lurch. It is important to do a complete tick check after each outdoor adventure.
Now that you have a better idea of what ticks to look for, and how to remove them – quickly, easily, and safely (including mouthparts), the dog days of summer aren’t quite as scary. Keep a copy or two of this tick ID chart at home, at camp, and other places you take your pet.
Thank you to TickZapper® for providing this guide. For more information about TickZapper®, please visit their website.
Please include attribution to https://tickzapper.com/ with this graphic.
