Tick Control In Vancouver
Ticks are a growing problem in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. As our climate changes, ticks that carry diseases like Lyme disease are spreading into new territories, including British Columbia. While the risk of contracting a tick-borne illness remains relatively low in BC, it is important to understand how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick bites.
Understanding Ticks in Vancouver
There are over 20 different species of ticks in British Columbia, but only a few commonly bite humans. The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease bacteria in BC. While Lyme disease risk remains low (under 5%) compared to other parts of Canada, the geographic range of these ticks is expanding.
Surveillance shows infected ticks may be present across BC, likely due to shifts in climate and habitats
Other ticks like the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) can transmit other illnesses, though cases are extremely rare. All ticks require a blood meal to progress to their next life stage. They are slow-moving, wingless arachnids that cannot jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation with their front legs outstretched to latch onto passing hosts.
Understanding where ticks live, their life cycle, and how to safely remove them can empower Vancouver residents to coexist with these arachnids while protecting their health.
Preventing Tick Bites
Ticks live in brush, tall grasses, and wooded areas. When hiking or spending time outdoors, follow these tips to prevent tick encounters:
- Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
- Tuck pants into socks and wear closed-toe shoes
- Use insect repellent with DEET or icaridin
- Stay on designated paths when possible
- Shower soon after outdoor exposure
- Check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly after being outside
- Consider protective clothing or permethrin treatments
Making your yard less hospitable to ticks is also wise if you live near wooded or brushy areas. Trimming vegetation, removing leaf litter, creating barriers between lawns and natural areas, and discouraging wildlife can all help reduce ticks near your home.
Identifying Ticks
If you find a tick, identifying the species can determine your risk of illness. Submitting a photo to BC’s new eTick program can provide information within 24 hours regarding the tick’s identity and associated health risks.
The most common ticks in southwest BC are:
Western black-legged tick
Primary carrier of Lyme disease bacteria in BC. Very small (less than 2mm) with black legs and reddish-brown body.
Rocky Mountain wood tick
Much larger tick (over 3mm) with distinctive white markings on dark brown body. Can transmit other tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, though cases are extremely rare.
Brown dog tick
Rarely bites humans, but can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever to dogs and cause tick paralysis. Noticeably larger than blacklegged ticks with shades of brown coloration.
Identifying ticks down to the species level provides critical information about potential diseases they may transmit in Vancouver and BC.
Safely Removing Ticks
If an attached tick is found, prompt and proper removal is important to prevent infection. Follow these steps:
- Use narrow-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to skin surface
- Pull straight up slowly and firmly until the tick lets go
- Avoid crushing the tick’s body during removal
- Disinfect the bite area and wash hands thoroughly
- Save the tick in a sealed bag or container for identification
Avoid old-school methods like burning ticks or covering them in Vaseline. These techniques increase risk of infection. Do not handle ticks with bare hands. Monitor for symptoms after a bite and contact a doctor if fever, rash, fatigue or other concerning issues develop
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Controlling Ticks in Vancouver
Eliminating ticks across Vancouver’s vast wilderness areas is not realistic. However, measures can be taken in backyards, parks and other localized areas to reduce tick populations:
- Keep grass cut short and remove brush/leaf litter.
- Place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
- Discourage wildlife with fences, noise or vibration devices.
- Use pesticide sprays or bait boxes only where necessary, as these can harm beneficial insects.
Widespread or indiscriminate pesticide use is not an effective tick control strategy. Instead, the above cultural, mechanical and physical controls target the habitats ticks rely on. While ticks may always be present across the region to some degree, Vancouver residents can take heart in understanding how to protect themselves while safely coexisting with these misunderstood arachnids.
When to Seek Professional Tick Control
If the above DIY tick prevention methods are insufficient, or if you want extra peace of mind, partnering with professionals may be prudent. Seeking professional tick control services is especially wise if:
- You live in a heavily wooded or brushy area
- Neighbors have complained about ticks
- Pets are bringing lots of ticks indoors
- Family members suffer from tick-borne diseases
- DIY tick control efforts have failed
Reputable pest control companies like All Green Pest Control use integrated pest management techniques to control ticks in the least toxic ways possible. This includes detailed property inspection and customized plans utilizing multiple control tactics for lasting tick suppression. All Green Pest Control’s tick control services range from conventional spraying to all-natural treatments to match your needs and preferences.
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What to expect when you schedule a tick extermination visit.
Step 1: Inspection
A thorough inspection by our technicians is the first stage in our treatment of your tick issues. Our licensed personnel will locate the tick nesting point, determine its the infestation, and identify the proper techniques to handle an infestation.
Step 2: Plan & Treat
Once an infestation has been identified, our staff will create a tailor-made strategy specific to your pest problem to eliminate tick with optimal results. We use only the highest-quality natural biopesticide that is proven efficient and safe for you and your family.
Step 3: Maintenance
Keeping the property free of tick is an essential final step in treating wasps. All Green Pest Control can assist you in making a fresh start by eliminating the wasp source (the nest) entirely. However, we’ll come back for another round of treatment until these pests are eradicated in the unlikely event that you discover them again!
Need tick Control and Prevention? Vancouver Pest Control All Green Pest Control Can Help. Call Today For Immediate Solutions!
Homeowners in Vancouver who are having trouble with ticks might want to give All Green Pest Control a call. All Green is a locally owned business in Vancouver that is familiar with the typical tick species in the region as well as the climate of the West Coast. Our experts can pinpoint precisely which ticks are trespassing on your property and locate the origin of infestations. In order to comply with Vancouver’s environmental requirements, All Green also gives priority to eco-friendly tick treatments, employing non-toxic techniques wherever possible.
Ticks will likely always be present across Vancouver and British Columbia to some degree. However, through awareness, preventative action and control measures where necessary, residents can happily coexist with these misunderstood arachnids. Avoiding prime tick habitat, checking for ticks after outdoor exposure, and promptly removing attached ticks can greatly reduce risk of illness. Targeted control efforts may provide extra protection in yards or localized areas. By understanding ticks in Vancouver, you gain the confidence to safely enjoy the beautiful natural areas across the region.
In Addition to Vancouver Tick Control…
We provide inspections, exterminations, and seasonal pest management services for insects, spiders, wasps, bed bugs, wildlife control, and more.
Tick Pest Control Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose a tick control company?
A: When selecting professional tick control services, look for companies that provide detailed inspection reports, utilize integrated pest management, offer warranties for their work, have strong customer reviews, use the least toxic methods possible, and customize plans based on your property’s specific needs. Reputable companies should also educate clients on tick prevention and identification.
Q: What diseases do ticks in Vancouver carry?
A: The primary disease carried by ticks in Vancouver is Lyme disease, transmitted by the western blacklegged tick. Less than 5% of these ticks typically carry the bacteria. Cases of other tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever are extremely rare in BC. Identifying ticks to the species level provides important health risk information.
Q: How long does tick treatment last?
A: Depending on the products and methods used, professional tick treatments generally last from 3-6 months. Some all-natural options may be shorter-lived. Ongoing cultural controls like vegetation trimming provide longer control. Topical flea & tick medications protect pets for 1-3 months on average.
Q: Should I spray my yard for ticks?
A: Indiscriminate pesticide spraying is not generally an effective tick control strategy. However in some cases, targeted liquid spray or bait box treatments around yards may help reduce ticks. Any pesticide usage should focus only on areas ticks are known to inhabit. Cultural controls and vegetation management are usually most effective for DIY tick control.
Q: What time of year are ticks most active in Vancouver?
A: Ticks thrive when temperatures are above 4°C. Nymphal stage ticks that transmit Lyme disease are typically most active during spring and early summer (April-June) across southwest BC. Staying vigilant for ticks when hiking or enjoying the outdoors anytime from March-October is wise.