Ticks are small parasites belonging to the arachnid family. They consume the blood of animals and humans. These tiny creatures are often found in areas with dense vegetation and can cause various health risks and diseases. In this article, we’ll get to know what ticks are, where they live, and their role in the ecosystem is essential for effective prevention and control.
Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on ticks and ways to tackle a tick infestation.
Even backyards with overgrown grass, weeds, or wooded sections can become ideal habitats for ticks. They are also frequently found in animal habitats, such as the nests or dens of deer, squirrels, and raccoons. Ticks prefer moist, shady environments and typically avoid sunny, open areas.Ticks can survive long periods without food, with some species enduring up to a year while waiting for a host.
Tick-borne encephalitis, a viral infection, causes brain inflammation and neurological issues, while babesiosis, a parasitic infection, affects red blood cells. Additionally, tick paralysis, resulting from toxins in tick saliva, can cause temporary muscle paralysis. Beyond these diseases, ticks may also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and secondary infections at the bite site.If the preventive methods fail to bring things under control, it might be time to let the experts take over. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.
What Do Ticks Look Like?
Ticks are tiny arachnids and are closely related to spiders and mites. Their unique physical traits make them easy to identify, particularly when spotted on a host.Physical Characteristics of Ticks
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Size: Ticks range from 1 mm to 1 cm in length. When unfed, they appear flat and oval-shaped, but after feeding, they swell into a rounded shape. -
Color: Ticks are typically brown, reddish-brown, or grayish. After feeding on blood, they darken to shades of deep red or purple.
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Body Structure: These arachnids have eight legs and a hard, protective outer shell known as the scutum, visible on their back.
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Mouthparts: Ticks have specialized mouthparts, called a capitulum, which enable them to pierce the skin of their host and feed on blood.
Where Do Ticks Live?
Ticks prefer living in environments that provide ample opportunities to find a host. Common habitats include woodlands and forests, where dense vegetation, shrubs, and trees allow ticks to easily latch onto passing hosts. Grassy fields with tall grass are another favorite spot, offering ticks the chance to attach to humans or animals.Even backyards with overgrown grass, weeds, or wooded sections can become ideal habitats for ticks. They are also frequently found in animal habitats, such as the nests or dens of deer, squirrels, and raccoons. Ticks prefer moist, shady environments and typically avoid sunny, open areas.How Long Do Ticks Live?
Ticks can live from several months to two years, depending on their species, environment, and access to hosts. Their survival hinges on finding blood meals at each stage of their life cycle. Here’s a breakdown of their stages:Life Cycle of Ticks
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Egg: Female ticks lay thousands of eggs in warm, moist areas. These hatch into larvae within weeks or months, depending on environmental conditions.
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Larva (6-legged): The newly hatched larvae, often called “seed ticks,” feed on a host to gain the nutrients needed to molt into nymphs.
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Nymph (8-legged): After molting, nymphs actively seek a host to feed on. This stage can last several weeks to months.
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Adult (8-legged): Adults feed, reproduce, and can live for several months to years if they have consistent access to hosts.
What Diseases Do Ticks Carry?
Ticks are parasitic arachnids. They feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals. Key tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by black-legged ticks (deer ticks), and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, spread by American dog ticks, which leads to fever, rash, and muscle pain.Tick-borne encephalitis, a viral infection, causes brain inflammation and neurological issues, while babesiosis, a parasitic infection, affects red blood cells. Additionally, tick paralysis, resulting from toxins in tick saliva, can cause temporary muscle paralysis. Beyond these diseases, ticks may also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and secondary infections at the bite site.How to Prevent Tick Bites?
Protecting yourself and your pets from tick-borne illnesses is essential, especially if you live in areas with high tick populations. Here are some tips to minimise the risk of tick bites and disease transmission:Tips to Prevent Tick Bites
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Put on long-sleeved clothes to cover exposed skin.
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Apply tick repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin.
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Inspect your body and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.
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Keep grass short and remove leaf litter in your yard.
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Stay on trails and avoid going through tall grass.
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Use tick preventatives for pets and check their fur regularly.
