Facts About Ticks

As summer begins so does the annual concern of ticks infecting people and pets. At least seven of the approximately 84 species of ticks living in the contiguous U.S. are carriers of diseases including Lyme disease and babesiosis. These miniature blood suckers shouldn't spoil the summer. Just use some reasonable prevention measures and knowledge of what to do if you find a tick and enjoy the warm weather.

  1. The Seven Suckers

    • Deer, dog and lone star ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis.

      The ticks capable of transmitting diseases are the American dog tick; black legged tick, which is also called the deer tick; brown dog tick; Gulf Coast tick; lone star tick; Rocky Mountain wood tick; and the western black legged tick. One or more of these species lives in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. Being able to identify the tick species isn't necessary because all ticks must be removed regardless of their disease-carrying potential.

    Parasites Hiding in the Grass

    • Walking through tall grass can attract ticks.

      Ticks are parasites that exist entirely on blood from warm-blooded animals. They live in thick grass and shrubs and wait for an opportunity to crawl onto a host animal that passes through the area.The host's breath, body heat, odors, moisture or vibration from walking attracts the tick. Once on the host, the tick makes a tiny slit in the skin, inserts pincers and gorges itself on blood. When it is full it drops back to the ground where, depending on the life cycle stage it is in, it either breeds and dies or molts and waits for another host to attack.

    Avoiding Tick Bites

    • Insect repellents can help keep ticks away.

      Avoiding ticks begins with being aware of where they may be hiding. If you have to walk through grassy areas or thick shrubs, try to walk in the center of the trail away from as much vegetation as possible. Wearing light-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks, also prevents ticks from reaching your skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of insect repellents with 20 percent or more DEET applied to exposed skin in accordance with package instructions. Your veterinarian can recommend protection for your pets.

    Tick Removal

    • Pulling straight out with tweezers is the best method for removing ticks.

      People and pets should be checked for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks might live. Carefully check the scalp, behind the knees and ears, between the toes, along the waistband, in the underarms and the rest of the body. Pets should also be checked even if they are treated with a tick repellent. If you find a tick, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and pull it straight out using even pressure. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol, soap or water. See a doctor if a rash develops around the bite area or you get a fever several days to several weeks after removing a tick.