As the calendar turns to September, don't turn your back on the health threats posed by ticks. Many might assume that the risk of tick encounters decreases. However, the reality is quite the opposite. In California, ticks remain active and can pose significant health risks well into and through September. Here, we'll explore the types of ticks found in the region, their characteristics, the health hazards they present, and the importance of staying vigilant. Should you discover ticks in your environment, AIM Pest Control offers professional extermination services to ensure your safety.

The September Tick Challenge:

Before diving into the specifics of tick types, it's essential to recognize that ticks are most active in California from May to September (and sometimes longer). Even as September arrives, ticks continue to thrive in various environments, both urban and suburban areas. Their presence in parks, gardens, and wooded areas remains a concern, making tick prevention and awareness crucial throughout the month.

Common Tick Types in California:

1. Western Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus):

• Physical ID: Small and reddish-brown with dark legs, they are typically around 3 mm in length.
• Behavior: Often found in wooded and grassy areas, they are known for transmitting Lyme disease.
• Potential Health Threats: Transmission of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.

1. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis):

• Physical ID: Brown with white or gray markings, they can grow up to 5 mm in length.
• Behavior: Common in grassy areas and open spaces, known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Potential Health Threats: Transmission of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

1. Pacific Coast Tick (Dermacentor occidentalis):

• Physical ID: Brown with pale markings, often larger than the American dog tick.
• Behavior: Found in grassy and chaparral areas, they can transmit tularemia and other diseases.
• Potential Health Threats: Transmission of tularemia.

Health Hazards Associated with Tick Bites:

Ticks are not just a nuisance; they can carry and transmit various diseases, posing significant health threats to humans and pets. Common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and more. Early detection and removal of ticks are essential to reduce the risk of infection.

Where Ticks Hide:

Ticks are often found in vegetation, including tall grass, shrubs, and wooded areas. They can attach themselves to hosts when brushed against or crawled onto. Vigilance is necessary when spending time outdoors, as ticks can be encountered in urban and suburban green spaces as well as natural habitats.

Professional Extermination for Tick Control:

If you discover ticks in your home or yard, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. When it comes to tick treatment, DIY methods are not as effective as a comprehensive solution which requires professional pest control services. AIM Pest Control can exterminate ticks efficiently and as quickly as possible to make sure your kids, pets and home stay healthy, free from the threats ticks pose.

September might mark the coming of fall, but it does not mark the end of the tick season in California; Sacramento, this is a reminder that vigilance is necessary year-round. Understanding the types of ticks, their behaviors, and the potential health hazards they pose is essential for safeguarding your health and that of your family and pets. If you come into contact with ticks, consider contacting us at AIM Pest Control for professional extermination services. Our expertise and commitment to pest management ensure a safer and tick-free living environment, even as September continues to challenge us with tick activity.

We're here when you need us: 916.282.1822.