Pigeon Tick Treatment and Control

The Pigeon Tick is a soft tick that is approximately 3/16" long. Its body is soft and squashy, which makes its skin appear wrinkled and almost leather-like. Its mouthparts are located near the abdomen and are covered by the front margin of the body so you will not be able to see them from above. Although the Pigeon Tick hides by day and feeds at night, its feeding pattern is intermittent throughout its life stages. The female pigeon tick increases its body weight by up to three times during their life cycle and they can lay as many as fifty eggs in one batch. These eggs are shiny and dark brown. Pigeons are the principal host, hence the name, but this tick can occupy a many number of other hosts as well, including other bird species and humans. Their favorite breeding places are rooms and attics where pigeons roost. They are not just annoying; their bites can actually carry diseases. Heavy infestations of pigeon ticks can harm and even kill your domestic pets. Lyme disease is the worst disease associated with tick bites.

If you believe you have a tick control problem, try to locate the source of the infestation immediately and start your assault. Eradicating their breeding area will help control the problem. Clean the area where the birds roost regularly. Remove their excrement and ensure proper disposal. It is best to wash these areas with soap and warm water. Regularly clean and vacuum your attic and rooms to ensure that these pests will stay out. You can also use insect repellents to keep your children and your pets safe from being bitten. If you find a tick attached to your body you should gently remove it with tweezers and grab the tick as closely to the skin as possible. Pull it straight up (or in the direction the tick is attached). You should never squeeze the body of the tick, never apply Vaseline, do not use a hot match or alcohol.

There are other measures that you can take. There are tick tubes that you can use. Tick tubes contain cotton balls soaked in a chemical insecticide known as permethrin. These balls have an attractant that birds or mice like to use them when building their nests. If they are used in their nests then the ticks will eventually ingest the chemical once they attach themselves to the cotton. This means that any pigeons living in treated nests are almost never are infested by ticks. These tubes are commonly biodegradable. While tick tubes are commonly safe, it is always good to have precautionary measures when handling chemicals. Another alternative is the chemical carbaryl. However, it is important to know the right time to apply this product.

Overall, it is always best to contact a pest control service if you have a heavy infestation of ticks in your area. During the last decade there have been severe anaphylactic reactions provoked by pigeon tick bites reported from France, Italy, Germany and Poland. Therefore, by eradicating these vicious mites quickly, you will not only ensure the safety of your pets, but of your home and your children as well.