Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County Tick Control

How do ticks find a host?

Ticks are remarkably patient creatures. They don't rely on flying, jumping, or falling from trees to find a host. Instead, they employ a method called "questing," where they perch on low vegetation and wait for a potential host to pass by. With humans, ticks typically begin their journey by crawling onto shoes or socks from the ground. Once on the body, they can move swiftly in search of exposed skin, often favoring concealed areas like the head and underarms, making them challenging to detect. Using a hypostome, a piercing clamp resembling a fish hook, ticks anchor themselves into the host's skin and proceed to engorge with blood, expanding like water balloons. Some ticks even secrete a cement-like substance to firmly attach themselves to the host.

A single tick bite can transmit various diseases from animals to humans, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and toxins. Deer ticks, in particular, pose significant risks. These ticks are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they bite without discrimination. They can transfer infected blood from one host group, such as a diseased white-footed mouse, to humans during subsequent feedings. In essence, tick bites can be likened to receiving a blood transfusion, with certain ticks potentially introducing pathogens into the bloodstream. Given the serious health implications associated with tick bites, it's imperative to take proactive measures and seek professional pest control services to mitigate the risks posed by these resilient parasites.

When dealing with ticks, it is best to contact a professional exterminator immediately. Cowleys Pest Services offers tick control throughout Edison, Lakewood, Somerset and surrounding regions of New Jersey. We are your Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County tick control professional. Remember, ticks are parasites, and as a result, are on a continual quest for a host. If a host is not available, a tick can survive up to a year without feeding.

Where can ticks be found?

• Dense Ground Cover: Areas including pachysandra, ivy, or thick shrubbery. Additionally this includes landscaped beds where rodents may harbor.
• Forest Line: Where edge of a forest meets another habitat. Examples are forest meeting lawn, forest meeting meadow, forest meeting a street, etc.
• Grass Line: Meeting point between an un-maintained and manicured area.
• Leaf Litter: The organic debris that rests on a forest floor. In residential lawns, this would include areas of un-raked leaves and or branches and compost piles. Immature ticks (especially deer ticks) reside in these areas.
• Manicured Area: Well trimmed and maintained lawns (grass 2" or less), parking lots, dirt without weeds etc.
• Un-maintained Area: Any grassy or weedy area higher than 2" high.

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