Oahu enjoys an enviable climate and boasts a plethora of diverse ecosystems that make it a paradise for outdoor explorers. Unfortunately, humans aren’t the only outdoor explorers to inhabit this beautiful island. Ants, invasive bird species, termites, cockroaches, and even wild pigs are among the most common pests in Oahu. But if you have a pet dog, you’re probably wondering – are there any ticks in Oahu?

At Mid-Pacific Pest Control, we’re well versed with all the critters and creatures that can invade homes and wreak havoc. While potentially deadly ailments such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain disease (both spread by ticks) are not prevalent in Hawaii, you can never be too careful when it comes to your or your pet’s health and comfort. That’s why this article answers questions such as ‘are there ticks in Oahu?’, ‘are ticks dangerous for my pets?’, and much more.

If you need personalized advice based on your unique circumstances or would like our technicians to inspect your home, don’t hesitate to call us. Keep reading to learn more about ticks in Oahu.

Are There Ticks in Oahu?

Oahu is home to just two types of ticks: the brown dog tick and the spinose ear tick. However, you only really need to concern yourself with the brown dog tick as its spinose cousins feed mostly on cattle and are rarely seen on pets. While brown dog ticks primarily infest dogs, they can also bite humans, especially in places where dogs are prevalent. Unfortunately, these ticks are commonly found throughout Oahu in both rural and urban areas.

Do Ticks in Oahu Pose a Risk to Pets?

The disease most commonly associated with tick bites is Lyme disease, which – fortunately – has been kept out of Hawaii to date. However, it’s still worth remaining vigilant. A more common tick-borne disease in pets caused by ticks in Oahu is canine ehrlichiosis, the symptoms of which can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Even if a tick doesn’t infect your pets, the bites can cause itchiness, swelling, redness, and discomfort.

Are Ticks in Oahu Dangerous to Humans?

While the risk of tick-borne illnesses in Hawaii is relatively low compared to other parts of the world, it’s still essential to take precautions. Lyme disease may not be prevalent in Oahu, but ticks can still transmit other pathogens such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and rickettsiosis. Therefore, preventing a tick infestation in your home is of paramount importance.

How to Prevent Tick Infestations in Your Home

Preventing tick infestations in your home is essential for protecting your family and pets. Here are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of ticks invading your living space:

Keep your yard tidy: Regularly mow the lawn, remove leaf litter, and trim bushes to eliminate tick habitats in your yard.
Create a barrier: Install physical barriers such as fences or gravel paths to prevent wildlife, which may carry ticks, from entering your yard.
Use tick control products: Apply tick control products, such as sprays or granules, to your yard to kill ticks and prevent infestations.
Keep pets treated: Ensure your pets are treated regularly with tick prevention products to prevent them from bringing ticks into your home.
Clean and vacuum regularly: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, and wash bedding and pet bedding in hot water to remove any ticks that may have been brought indoors.

Are There Ticks in Your Oahu Home? Contact the Pest Control Experts

As you can see from above, the answer to the question ‘are there ticks in Oahu’ is – yes! Fortunately, tick-borne diseases are much less common here than other regions in the world, including the US mainland. Nevertheless, it’s best to take precautions to prevent ticks from invading your space, which is where our pest control specialists can help. At Mid-Pacific Pest Control, we’ve been ridding homes of pests such as ticks for over 20 years. Contact us today to find out how we can pest-proof your abode.