Back to School Pests: Lice and Ticks

For many of us, September signals the time to return to school. We move from the more relaxed pace of summer to the quicker rhythm of classes, exams, clubs, extra-curricular activities, work, sports and more.
While we are busy getting accustomed to our new schedules, some pests are getting more comfortable on or near our property, in our home, and more specifically, on our scalps. September may be back-to-school for teachers, parents and students, but it’s also back-to-school for a special type of pest: head lice (also known as nits.)
Head lice are tiny parasites that feed on human blood on or around the scalp area. Head lice live for about one month and females lay 8 eggs daily.
When these lice consume your blood, they release saliva to prevent clotting. The saliva has a chemical that can cause itching on the scalp. Scratching the skin can lead to infection.
Lice are common in pre-school and elementary age children. Playgrounds, schools, and indoor play areas are easy areas for lice to find new hosts. Although lice don’t fly or jump, they can move effortlessly between strands of hair. Lice are easily spread among children and their families through contact during sports, sharing helmets or hats, towels, combs and brushes.
If your child or another family member has lice, they will need to remove them through a scalp treatment. There are many Over the Counter (OTC) treatments available to safely get rid of lice.
In addition to lice, ticks are plentiful in the fall as kids return to school. In fact, South Florida’s weather allows ticks to thrive throughout the year.
Ticks are tiny bloodsucking arthropods from the arachnid family that attach themselves to human or animal skin. Ticks can carry a range of very serious diseases and can infect animals and humans.
To keep you and your family safe, keep your yard and trees trimmed. Declutter and remove debris on and near your property. Keep animals away with fences and take extra precautions if you have pets that spend time outside by vacuuming frequently and washing pet beds regularly.
If you find a tick on your pet or one of your family members, it’s time to contact Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) to treat your yard, bushes, trees, as well as hot spots on your home’s exterior.
An FPCC consultation will include recommendations that will help prevent ticks from invading your property. FPCC will conduct regular inspections and follow up treatments to ensure your property is protected from ticks, especially during the times they are most active.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)
For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings. Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)
Local: 954-945-5050