Ticks are a relatively small group of mites, and are parasitic blood-sucking pests that attack mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and man.
Ticks are divided into 2 families: hard ticks and soft ticks, each group having its own characteristics. Ticks are commonly seen in dogs and are considered carriers of yellow fever. The soft ticks can be found in bird’s nests and in caves, and those fleas transmit cave fever.
These pests are tiny, with rows of teeth facing the back, through which they anchor themselves to the victim. They have eyes on the sides of their bodies or on their backs and their sense of smell is located on their hind legs. They do not eat in later life, except for once, but this single meal can make up a 100 times their body weight.
Ticks are the main factor in the distribution of many infectious diseases, including yellow fever and paralysis. Therefore it is of the utmost importance for immediate intervention.
TICKS CONTROL STRATEGIES:
PEST CONTROL OPERATIONS ARE COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS FOR PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TICKS.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAT ARE RECOMMENDED:
- In the case of pets it is important to use preparations that have been approved by the Veterinary Services, as well as collars that have tick repellents on them.
- Using a powerful suction, vacuum all areas of the room where there could be deposits from animals such as carpets, sofas, etc.
- Advanced spraying of pesticides on all floor spaces, walls, behind pictures, mattresses and rugs is advised. Sprays should cover all the surface structure up to a height of two meters.
- Against the smaller insects a combined preparation of growth regulators and pesticides are sprayed.
- After the ticks control measures have been completed wash thoroughly all the sheets on the beds in infected rooms, in water that has a temperature of 60 degrees and above.