Posted May 5, 2022

Spring is in full force, with summer right around the corner. That means outdoor activities – and the threat of ticks. Because they’re so small, it’s all too easy to miss ticks until it’s too late, which is why taking steps to protect yourself and your family is key.

Can Ticks Get Through Clothing?

That depends upon what you mean by “get through.” A tick cannot bite through clothing… so in that respect, the answer is no. However, if there’s a gap, then a tick could crawl through and bite your skin. The same can happen if the tick gets on the clothing (such as a sleeve) and then is able to crawl until it finds exposed skin.

How Can I Protect Myself from Ticks?

Protect yourself from ticks by:

1. Wear tick prevention clothing treated with DEET, picaridin, OLE, IR3535, PMD, or 2-undecanone.
2. When outside – especially hiking or in tick-prone areas – tuck your pants into your socks.
3. Long sleeves help, too (if it’s not too hot to tolerate).
4. Wear white and light-colored clothing.
5. When you go inside, carefully inspect yourself, your children, and your pets.

How Do I Keep Ticks Out of My Yard?

In the past, ticks were primarily a threat to campers and hikers. As environments have changed, ticks and creatures that can carry them – like mice and deer – have become more common in the suburbs… including in backyards.

While Bostonians won’t commonly see or encounter deer, the Massachusetts Audubon Society says that much of the state has become ideal deer habitat. The Boston Globe said that the deer population in the Boston suburbs has been skyrocketing.

Luckily, a few steps can help to decrease the risk of ticks around your home:

• Add a deer fence if your home is in areas adjacent to deer
• Install a tick barrier between your property and tall grass or woods
• Keep your lawn cut short – ticks like long grass.
• Remove debris and material that mice can use as a habitat
• Consider preventive tick treatments for your property.

Do Seed Ticks Bite Humans?

A larval stage tick is known as a “seed tick.” They’re pale and only have six legs, which can confuse people because nymph stage and adult ticks have eight legs – as well as being darker colored. As with ticks in other life stages, seed ticks can bite humans.

Call Fox Pest Control for Tick Prevention

The best way to protect your home and family from ticks is to be proactive. Give us a call to discuss preventive tick control treatments. Fox Pest Control is here for all of your pest prevention needs. For more information, contact us today.