Summer Ticks: How to Protect Your Pets

Prevent ticks in pets this summer in Snohomish WA - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestIn the summertime, we are all accustomed to seeing endless insects. One many neglect to think about are ticks! These blood-sucking pests are most common in the warmer months of the year. Unfortunately, this is also the time when more people spend time outdoors! Pets are a common target for ticks: dogs and cats alike often bring them inside. The main concern with ticks is the fact that they can transmit Lyme disease, which is the most common vector-borne disease nationwide. Because these pests pose a health risk to your pets, it’s important to learn how you can keep them away. The team at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest is here with expert tips on preventing ticks this summer in Washington — keep reading to learn more!

4 Tips to Prevent Ticks

There are several things you can do to lessen the risk of getting ticks this summer. These include:

  1. Investing in tick prevention
    • Consider speaking to your veterinarian about tick prevention methods. Some may have suggestions or solutions for keeping your pets safe.
  2. Keeping a tidy, pest-proof yard
    • Mow your lawn regularly and trim bushes or trees on a regular basis.
    • In addition, implement pest exclusion to keep rodents out as they often carry ticks.
  3. Inspecting pets and family members
    • Whenever you take your pets outdoors, make sure to inspect them for ticks. Pay close attention to areas behind the ears, neck, and under the legs. In addition, check your children for ticks after hikes.
  4. Avoiding areas with tall grass or vegetation
    • Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass or vegetation. Be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.

Do Ticks Bite Dogs?

Just as they would with people, ticks can easily latch onto and feed on dogs. They are less likely to do so on cats, as cat grooming behavior can expel them. In some animals, ticks have been known to cause anemia. The main danger is, of course, contracting Lyme disease. Ticks may feed for anywhere from a few hours to a few days, making it important to check your pets every time they’ve been outside.

Dogs can be seriously affected by Lyme disease and will begin to show several symptoms if affected. Always be on the lookout for signs of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joints and lymph nodes. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately take your pet to see a veterinarian.

What to Do When You Have Ticks

Ticks need to be removed as soon as they are noticed. If you or your pet exhibits any symptoms, it’s crucial to receive medical attention as soon as possible. In general, always be on the lookout for ticks on your family and pets, especially after spending time outdoors. For more tick prevention tips, contact the team at Western today!

Wasp Nest Identification Guide

Wasp nest identification guide in Snohomish WA - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestBlooming flowers and warm weather is enjoyed by all in Washington summertimes, including wasps. These stinging insects come out in full force this time of year, making it likely you’ll come across them when you spend time outdoors. Wasps are generally safe, unless they build nests on or near your property. There are a few different types of wasps, and they all build different types of nests.

The team at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest is here to provide you with the information you need to know to help identify wasp nests.

4 Common Wasp Nests

Paper wasps, mud daubers, yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets are the main kinds of wasps we’ll see here in the Snohomish area. Here’s what to know about these nests:

  • Paper wasps
    • A paper wasp nest often looks like an upside-down umbrella.
    • These nests tend to be more open, and can get quite large in size.
    • They are typically supported by a single stalk and made out of a papery substance.
    • Nests can be located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas.
  • Mud daubers
    • Female wasps construct their nests out of mud.
    • The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes.
    • They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
    • Tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings.

Wasp nest identification in the Snohomish WA area - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest

  • Yellowjackets
    • Nests are a papery material and have a single opening.
    • The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells.
    • Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
    • Favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas.
  • Bald-faced hornets
    • These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground.
    • They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva.
    • They can grow to the size of a football or basketball.
    • Builds its nest oftentimes in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but they also can be on buildings.

What to Do About a Wasp Nest

If you see any of the above wasp nests forming on or near your property, it’s important to take caution and stay away. Certain wasps can get very aggressive when it comes to defending their nests. Even worse, many are inclined to sting repeatedly—needless to say, this can become very dangerous. If you have a wasp nest nearby, always contact the professional wasp control experts at Western.