The picturesque parks of Redmond, such as Marymoor Park and Idylwood Park, will provide you and your canine friends with great hiking spots. But the mild, damp climate here in the Pacific Northwest is perfect for ticks that are thriving in those forested areas. 

These biting bugs are more than just an annoyance; they spread dangerous diseases to both pets and people. It can be a challenge to get rid of any severe infestations around your property, even with diligent tick checking and preventive measures, so it may require professional pest control experts like pointepest.com to keep your family safe.

Why Are Ticks Increasing Around Redmond’s Parks?

There are a number of reasons for the increase in ticks around the recreational hubs in Redmond. Snohomish is in the wet, mild winter King County area, not far away from Seattle, the sort of place where even hardier northern ticks survive year-round rather than being frozen out in the winter months. Climate change has made an active season that once lasted from spring to fall now lasts almost all year long. 

Habitat fragmentation for wildlife movement has also increased in areas such as Redmond Central Connector and Bear Creek Parkway. And more residents than ever are hiking and walking their dogs in these parks, increasing the odds of a tick encounter. Ideal weather conditions, plenty of wildlife hosts, and rising rates of human activity have created the perfect storm for a tick population boom.

Tick Dangers for Pets and Humans

1. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Risk

Wood ticks can also transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a severe disease in pets and humans. In dogs, this can lead to fever, loss of appetite, and joint pain, while in people, it can lead to headaches and tell-tale rash patterns.

1. Lyme Disease Transmission

Even with fewer cases of Lyme disease in Washington than on the East Coast, cases still occur in the state. Washington State Department of Health data indicates 15 to 20 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year in King County, most frequently among pet owners who became infected while participating in outdoor activities.

1. Tick Paralysis in Dogs

This neurological disorder occurs when notable tick species inject neurotoxins during feeding. In affected dogs, the illness starts with progressive hind-leg weakness and can become fatal without prompt tick removal.

1. Anaplasmosis Complications

This is a bacterial infection that can infect white blood cells and, in dogs, can lead to fever, lethargy, and joint swelling. If left untreated, it can cause more serious complications such as kidney problems.

1. Secondary Skin Infections

Tick bites, at the very least, are open wounds, allowing bacteria to create an infection that becomes an abscess and will require treatment with antibiotics for your pet, even without the tick vector of disease.

After-Hike Checklist If You Are a Pet Owner

• Visual Inspection on the Spot – Right at the trailhead, thoroughly inspect your pet’s entire body, especially areas where ticks are likely to attach: inside and behind each ear, between each toe, in the armpits, and under the collar
• Under Home Inspection – Once at home, it is essential to run your hands over and through your pet’s fur to feel for any lumps that may be present, especially in warm and moist areas like armpits and groin areas
• Tick Removal – If you find a tick stuck, use fine-tipped tweezers to crush the tick just above the skin and pull it out with steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
• Clean and Monitor – Use rubbing alcohol to sanitize the bite site

Let Experts Handle It

If problems with ticks go beyond the occasional hitchhiker from a visit to the park, it might be time to call in the professionals. Pointe Pest Control in Redmond knows what species are present in your area and what seasons are the most serious threat, and offers complete tick control services. They note that the timing of peak tick activity in King County is between March and October, and that adults will remain active during any warm winter days.