Lyme disease is an illness you can get when a tick bites you. It can have serious implications if left untreated, like effects on your nervous system and brain. You don’t want any ticks feeding on you, but do all ticks carry Lyme disease?

Ticks That Carry Lyme Disease

Not all types of ticks carry this disease. The one you need to worry about is the deer tick, also known as Ixodes scapularis, black-legged tick, or the bear tick (if you’re located on the West Coast).

Size: Very tiny at 0.078″ to 0.137 inches”

Color: Black before feeding, light grayish-blue when engorged

Location: You’ll find them outside, especially in areas where deer frequent

Signs of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease symptoms show up days after you have been bitten by a tick. They include:

• A rash that resembles a bulls-eye. It might be itchy or painful.
• Flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headache
• Over time, you might have joint pain.
• The scariest symptom of all is irreparable brain damage that occurs over time when Lyme Disease is not diagnosed.

Protect Your Home and Yard from Ticks that Carry Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a scary, potentially devastating disease caused by ticks. The best way to stay safe is to take precautions to avoid ticks, remove ticks as quickly as possible, and seek professional help in protecting your lawn. Call your local pest pros at ExtermPRO today to learn more about our flea and tick services.