When looking at these two pests, it is easy to see all the ways they are different. One is an insect with six legs while the other is an arachnid with eight. One flies about collecting blood wherever it can find it, and the other is a parasite that hops from host to host. The list goes on and on. But instead of looking at all the ways these pests are different, let's explore the few things these bugs have in common.
"Blah, blah. I want to drink your blood!"
Yup. Both of these share a trait with Count Dracula. They both want to drink your blood. But they don't care if it is from your neck. They are happy to nibble on any spot they can get to. For ticks, it is the scalp. This pest waits patiently for a host to pass under a tree or bush and then falls on it. That is why most bites occur above the shoulders. Mosquitoes will happily stick their stinger into any area of flesh you leave exposed.
Ticks love the taste of humans, but they can also be found on birds, mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, possum, deer and cattle. They can even be found on lizards and snakes from time to time. That is a pretty wide selection of hosts.
The mosquito is an even less picky eater. They will bite anything with a pulse. But they prefer creatures that expel certain chemical scents from their skin--though scientists aren't quite sure exactly which chemicals, specifically.
"The doctor will see you now."
Both of these little biters have the ability to spread disease. If you don't like going to the doctor over and over again, you'll want to be sure to take precautions when traveling in woods that contain ticks. They are able to transmit many human-spread pathogens, but the worst of them is Lyme disease, which can cause medical complications years after infection.
Mosquitoes spread diseases that are so dangerous they have been called the deadliest "animal" in the world. This is mostly due to the transmission of malaria in Africa, which claims the lives of over a million people each year. In the United States, these pests can spread some human pathogens that will send you to the hospital.
"It's time to die!"
The last thing these pests have in common is that they can be controlled. Granted, it requires more of a community effort to keep mosquitoes out, but it is still possible.
Mosquitoes: Did You Know?
- There are approximately 170 different kinds of mosquitoes in North America alone.
- Only female mosquitoes bite humans, as they need blood to reproduce.
- Mosquitoes will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal.
- Mosquitoes hunt for food by detecting body heat and the carbon dioxide humans exhale.
- Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days.
Ticks: Did You Know?
- Ticks typically require 24-48 hours of feeding before they can successfully transmit diseases. If ticks are removed within the first 24 hours, infection is unlikely.
- The appearance of a “bullseye” rash is often the first sign of Lyme disease. It occurs in about 70 to 90 percent of cases.
- Blacklegged deer ticks can live up to 200 days without food or water.
- Ticks don’t jump or fly — they crawl up low brush or grass to find a passing host.
For homeowners in the Capital District and Adirondack region, Thomas Pest Services offers effective mosquito and tick control. Thomas Pest Services offers three different options for getting rid of mosquitoes and getting rid of ticks.
Mosquitoes: You all know mosquitoes for the itching red bites they leave and their annoying buzzing as they fly close to your ears, trying to find a good place to land. But, did you know that aside from that, mosquitoes are linked to life-changing diseases? It’s true! Mosquitoes are linked to the Zika virus, malaria, chikungunya, West Nile virus and many more! A female mosquito feeds on blood, and when it latches on, it can potentially transmit these diseases, making these small pests a large problem!
Ticks: One of the major issues with ticks is not only that they are a danger to you and your family, but they are also equally as dangerous to your pets. A tick bite could result in a variety of different illnesses. The most notable disease that ticks transmit is Lyme. Lyme disease, which has been reported in all 50 states, can cause extreme fatigue, pain, and discomfort. Should you find a tick on you, your family, or pets, immediately have it tested for Lyme disease.
Quite possibly one of the worst things about ticks and mosquitoes is that they come from everywhere! Getting rid of them completely can be a near impossibility, though making a substantial impact in their presence is not. By alleviating standing water sources, which mosquitoes need to breed, you can minimize the threat, making your warmer seasons much more enjoyable. When it comes to both ticks and mosquitoes, long clothing that is tucked in at the ankles and wrists can be very helpful in keeping these bugs off your skin. Using repellents like DEET and permethrin can help substantially as well. Also, remember to keep trees and shrubs cut back from the house to make access to your home a bit harder.
For homeowners in the Capital District and Adirondack region, Thomas Pest Services offers effective mosquito and tick control. Thomas Pest Services offers three different options for getting rid of mosquitoes and getting rid of ticks.
1. Vector Service: This pest control service is designed to reduce the mosquito and tick populations on your property and to protect you, your family and pets from diseases spread by these pests.
2. Tick Box System: The ticks in your yard are usually brought in on mice and other wild animals, which makes treating rodents for ticks an effective tick solution to reducing ticks in your yard.
Contact Thomas Pest Services and find out how you can protect your home from ticks, and work to reduce mosquito populations in your community. Together, we can protect ourselves from these dangerous predator insects.