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Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
Adult ticks have 4 pairs of legs and the body is not divided or constricted. Ticks have a similar shape to mites but they are considerable larger, usually 3mm or more in length and their body is leathery.
Unlike mites that are free living, ticks are ectoparasites on mammals, birds, and reptiles. Ticks often feed on small mammals like field mice and can be found in wooded areas and fields. The exception to this is the dog tick which is usually found in suburban areas and their main host is dogs. Dog ticks are one of the only ticks you can find that infest homes. If your home borders woodland, fields, or is prone to having small mammals you should be more cautious and think about contracting a competent pest management company to provide proactive treatments.
Identify the pest with our Tick gallery 
The most common ticks that humans encounter in Utah are the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), and the winter tick (D. albipictus).
Families:
Ixodes (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks)
Diet:
Blood
Impact:
Vectors for several diseases including Lyme disease, encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever.
Tips for keeping field ticks away 
Wear long pants and long sleeved shirt when going through tick infested areas. Foothills and higher elevations in Utah are more prone to ticks. Light colored clothes help to spot ticks more easily.
Use insect repellent when walking through areas that may be infested with ticks.
Do a “tick check” when returning from areas where ticks may be present. Ticks take several hours to settle and begin feeding.
If you live along the foothills you may want to hire a knowledgeable pest management company to help prevent ticks entering your yard.
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Pests can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We create a strategic plan to gain control of your problem and make sure we get results.
We take a scientific approach to pest control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the pest, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.
Proper pest management starts with a detailed inspection and assessment from an expert pest professional before treatment. Thorn Pest Solutions uses a three-step process rooted in science to eliminate pests with long-term results.
First, we identify the root problem(s) with a site assessment. Pests are almost always an indicator of an environmental condition. This will determine the best actions to provide short and your long-term results against pests.
Next, we develop a plan to fix the problems we discovered. This includes solving current pest issues, eliminating conducive conditions, and monitoring for future pest activity. Good pest management starts with a good plan.
Lastly, we implement the solutions we developed including inspection, monitoring, and preventing future pest infestations. Good pest control requires a good offense and not just defense. Prevention is key.
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