Ticks are always a hot topic in the spring time, especially in the Mid-Atlantic Region. There are big public health concerns with ticks since they are vectors of disease. Diseases like Lyme Disease, Alpha-Gal, and babesiosis are among some of the diseases that the ticks that are common to our area can carry. Lets explore some critical information about ticks, so you can better protect yourself, your family, and even your dogs!
Tick Biology and Habits
The more we can understand tick biology and habits, the better we may be able to avoid ticks. Ticks start out as eggs, then hatch to a larva sometimes called “seed ticks.” In this phase they actually only have 6 legs. Ticks need a blood meal at each stage of life to survive so they go out to seek a host. Ticks can have multiple hosts in their life. A host could be as small as a mouse or as large as a deer. After their first feeding they will grow into a nymph, which is larger than the larva and has 8 legs. After the nymph stage and another blood meal the tick will grow into an adult. This process, depending on the species, could take up to 3 years.
It is important to understand what a tick habitat looks like and where they are likely to be found. Ticks are often found in areas of transition, where well manicured areas meet unkept areas. Think about a “game trail” that mammals walk along through the woods. The tick will hang out in this area until they sense a host coming. Then they will climb up the brush or grass blade and do something called “questing.” This is the tick holding out its front legs in hopes to attach to the coming host, when the host brushed up against them.
Some areas that ticks are commonly found are wood lines, where short grass meets tall grass, along hiking trails and other similar areas. Ticks will not jump or fly at you which is good news! Avoiding areas that appear to be tick habitats will reduce your chances of becoming the next host for a tick.
Helpful Tick Tips
-Avoid areas that look like tick habitats
-Wear light colored clothing that may show ticks. Choosing to wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks with enclosed shoes is the best option.
– Using insect repellent containing DEET is an option.
– Check for ticks after spending time in tick prone areas
– Consider a yard treatment if you have these areas present on your property.
How to safely remove a tick
There are many ways that people attempt to remove ticks and some of them are not recommended and can cause more harm. You do not want to burn, smother, or squeeze the body of a tick. This could cause regurgitation of fluids from the tick into you. You want to use tweezers, get as close to the skin as possible, and pull gently straight out. The tick attaches with a mouthpart that is full of hooks. Twisting and scraping can cause parts of the tick to remain attached.
For more information visit Tick Talk a great portal for Tick Awareness!