Floridian Blood-Sucking, Eight-Legged Vampires
Tick management should be a part of any multi-family property that allow dogs. Tick management should also be considered for any properties located near nature parks or natural forestry. Educating yourself on ticks and what diseases they harbor for multi-family residents is a must for any property or leasing manager.
Ticks are tiny eight-legged arachnids, closely related to spiders and scorpions, and are the known “vampire pests”, that feed off of blood. “Vampire pests” also include mosquitoes, no-see-ums and fleas. Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they pose a serious health risk and can impact resident satisfaction within multi-family living.
One of the most common ticks is the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). These ticks may be discovered in grassy areas, along trails, and in wooded regions throughout Florida. They are known vectors for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia.
Another significant concern is the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. While more wide-spread in northern states, its population in Florida, especially in the panhandle and northern parts of the state, is increasing. This tick is infamous for transmitting Lyme disease, as well as other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is another common Florida resident, frequently found in coastal areas and grassy habitats. It can transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a milder form of spotted fever.
Finally, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is unique in its ability to complete its entire life cycle indoors, making it a particular concern for multifamily properties. These ticks can infest kennels, homes, and even apartment buildings, and while they don’t typically transmit Lyme disease, they can carry other pathogens.
If you are a multifamily management company that accepts dogs at your property, there is a possibility of a growing tick population without your knowledge. Two of the four ticks mentioned previously are found on canines. How could ticks affect you, your property, and your residents?
Resident Health and Safety: A tick bite on a resident could lead to serious health complications, resulting in negative experiences and potential liability issues for the property management. Proactive tick management demonstrates a commitment to resident well-being.
Property Reputation and Resident Satisfaction: Residents expect a safe and comfortable living environment. Frequent tick encounters on the property grounds can lead to dissatisfaction and damage the property’s reputation. Word-of-mouth and online reviews can be significantly impacted by pest issues, including ticks.
Liability Concerns: If a resident contracts a tick-borne illness potentially acquired on the property, the management company could face legal repercussions.
Implementing preventative measures and addressing tick issues promptly can mitigate these risks. This is why you need WellTech Pest Solutions. We emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to tick control. Find out more by contacting us, today.
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