Introduction
In the last few years, the number of pet owners has significantly increased in Singapore. As per an international report published in CNA, the dog pet population in the country was estimated to be 114,000 in 2023 and the cat population was around 94,000. This statistic highlights how pet ownership can increase the health risks associated with pet-borne ticks in Singapore.
Well, dog tick-borne diseases pose a global challenge as their dominance varies from region to region. Here is a list of a few commonly occurring tick-borne diseases that affect our furry companions across the world:
- Anaplasmosis: This disease is caused by the Anaplasma bacteria and is common in Asia, North America, and parts of Europe.
- Babesiosis: This disease is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by ticks. It is prevalent in Asia, South America, parts of Africa, and Europe.
- Ehrlichiosis: Bacteria from the Ehrlichia genus spread this disease. It is found in Europe, North America, and parts of Africa and Asia.
- Lyme disease: Lyme is transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The disease is common in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
- Rickettsiosis: This includes diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which is prevalent in Europe, the Americas, parts of Africa, and Asia.
Furthermore, note that, apart from the pet population, ticks in Singapore are also found in parks, green urban spaces, wildlife reservoirs, and recreational areas like camping or hiking.
How to get rid of ticks?
Protect your pet:- Get your pets vaccinated for ticks and use preventive products as the veterinarian recommends. Topical creams, oral medications, collars, and sprays can make your pet less attractive to Ticks. Create a safe play area for them, avoiding exposure to neighboring urban green areas. Finally, check them for tick attacks, especially around their ears and toes.
Wash your pets’ bedding regularly:- Ticks don’t stick to their hosts for their entire lifespan and can be spotted near your pet's bedding. You must thoroughly wash your pet's bedding in hot soapy water twice a month to kick tick infestation away.
Wear protective clothing:- If you’re visiting any tick-prone area (shrubby areas, woodlands, or tall grass) do not forget to suit up! Wear a full-sleeve shirt and full pants, and pair them with closed-toe boots or shoes. You can tuck your pants inside the socks or shoes to keep ticks reaching your skin.
Use tick repellents:- NEA states that the most effective mosquito repellents are those that pack the active ingredients IR3535, Deet, or Picaridin. Therefore, it would be wise to use these products on clothing and exposed skin. You can choose products containing permethrin, picaridin, and DEET. For instance, permethrin-treated clothing helps in keeping ticks at bay. You can apply permethrin spray to treat your clothing or buy pre-treated clothing.
Check for ticks:- After your trip to the tick-prone zone, check your body thoroughly. Ticks can hide behind your ears, in skin folds, the groin area, underarms, or scalp. If you find any of them, remove them with the help of fine-tipped tweezers.
Vacuum your house frequently:- Vacuuming can remove adult ticks, their larvae, and eggs, curbing the tick infestation. If you suspect a tick invasion, seal the dirt bag and dispose of it safely after vacuuming. Doing so will ensure they don’t return to your home.
Consult a Professional Pest Management Service
If you are wary of recurring tick infestation on your property, consider consulting professional pest control or exterminators for an effective solution. At ORIGIN, we provide you with the following services to deal with ticks in Singapore:
- Thorough inspection and identification: Our Pest Management Professionals will visit your property for a detailed inspection to identify the root cause of the tick infestation and its levels. This step helps in devising a suitable plan to combat the tick invasion.
- Habitat modification: After a careful round of inspection, our pros will provide recommendations to the house owners for mitigating future tick infestation. If building defects like crevices or cracks are noticed during inspections, they will offer practical tips to overcome such shortages.
- Chemical treatment: Finally, if the tick infestation is worse, we opt for chemical treatment; it is a fast and effective method to deal with ticks. ORIGIN uses pet-friendly insecticides that are safe for our furry companions. Moreover, our experts execute all treatments within the procedural protocol.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, you can tackle the ticks in Singapore by staying proactive. We encourage proactive steps like grooming your pets, keeping outdoor spaces clean, and using tick repellents to minimize the risk posed by these pests. Moreover, to prevent bigger and more serious tick infestation, call ORIGIN at 62805666! We ensure that you and your loved ones are kept safe and sound.
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