Ticks are small spider like animals. They bite to fasten themselves onto the skin and feed on blood. They usually live in the feathers of birds and fur of animals. Tick bites mainly occur during early spring and late summer and in areas where there are several birds and wild animals. There are different kinds of ticks in Northern Beaches and some of them are even capable of transmitting infections. The risk of being a victim of these infections depends upon many factors like the kind of tick, how long the tick was attached to the skin etc.
 

Although a lot of people are worried about tick bites, the possibility of acquiring an infection because of this pest is very low. These pests can transmit the disease only after attaching and taking blood from the new host.
 

Minor complications
 

In fact, most ticks do not carry any disease and most of their tick bites do not cause any serious health problem. Most won’t even notice any kind of ill effects as long as the tick is safely removed. But there are a few people who have experienced an allergic reaction because of a tick bite. Elderly and children are at higher risk. Small size pets may also be highly susceptible to the side effects. The side effects to watch for include redness and swelling of the site where the tick has bitten. These are sometimes accompanied by fever, fatigue and headache as well. In some cases, a serious allergic reaction can occur.
 

However, it’s essential to remove a tick if you find it and that needs to be done fast. Removing the body of the tick will help you avoid diseases, which a tick can pass on at the time of feeding. Generally, removing the spider like animal, washing the place of bite and watching for symptoms of illness are all that is required.

Major complications
 

Most of the diseases, which ticks carry cause symptoms like headache, fever, vomiting, muscle aches and nausea. These are basically flu-like symptoms, which generally starts from the first day of the bite and remains till three weeks. A sore or rash is sometimes seen as well as along with these symptoms. The diseases that can really cause illness and lost lasting concerns for pets as well as humans alike include lyme disease, tularemia, spotted fevers, relapsing fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Colorado tick fever. Tick paralysis may even be caused but this happens rarely. Tick bites have also caused South African tick bite fever in a few parts of the world.
 

How to prevent?
 

Continuous vigilance concerning tick bites is very important. Always check your clothes and hair. Don’t forget to check the clothes of other members of your family as well. Also inspect your pet’s fur if you have any. Ask your local pest exterminator in Northern Beaches to educate you and make a treatment plan for your house using an Integrated Pest Management program. A meticulous assessment will definitely help treat the problem and allow you to enjoy a tick-free spring and summer season.