Ticks are macroscopic mites, obligate parasites as they only feed on the blood of their hosts. The tick is one of the oldest arachnids, a few years ago historians got a tick that dates from 20 to 30 million years old. This species was trapped in sage. I remain in perfect fossilized conditions. Its life cycle is complex, with several evolutionary phases, and in the process of biting can transmit numerous diseases, some of them extremely serious.
Ticks are small, yet dangerous external parasites that feed off of mammals. Tick bites can result in a number of different diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These tiny arachnids are most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas with tall vegetation. Tick bites are not just an issue for humans, but also animals such as dogs who may bring ticks home on their fur. Here is what you need to know about ticks!
Characteristics of Tick
Ticks vary in color according to species. Adult species are smaller than a sunflower seed (1/8 -5/8 inch long if they have engorged with blood) while nymphs (or immature ticks) measure less than 1/16 inch.
Common tick species include:
- The American dog tick,
- The solitary star tick,
- The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick.
They are often found near areas with high vegetation and forests. Some species require moisture to survive. You May Also Like To Read Fly Insect.
Food
Both males and females of this species feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Tick Control
Ticks seek shelter in hidden locations inside the house. Repairing crevices or spaces and keeping your lawn short may help to scare away the tick population inside your home. Bouncing nest material from birds and rodents may also be necessary, as these provide an ideal habitat for ticks. Tick treatment is not the same as that used to treat fleas.
If you suspect a tick infestation, call your local pest control professional. Ticks found on pets or on people require prompt and careful removal. They should be grasped with tweezers behind the head and slowly pulled out of the host’s skin. Crushing ticks can lead to dangerous fluids being released.
Also, it is important that the parts of the mouth are completely removed from the wounds. The area with the infection should be wash vigorously and medicate after removal. In the event that the disease results from a tick bite, it is advisable to immediate medical attention.
Types of Ticks
Commonly mistaken for insects, ticks are actually very small arachnids. There are approximately more than 800 species of ticks, which can be classified as soft and hard. Soft ticks are commonly found in caves or nests. They feed on bats, birds, and animals that make their nests on the ground. Hard ticks feed on the blood of mammals, including humans (which they attach to when finding in campsites and caves), domestic animals and animals in their natural habitat.
One of the most common tick species is the American dog tick. These ticks feed on small mammals during their early stages of development but often change to a human host in later stages. They are vectors of Rocky Mountain Fever and Tularemia.
Your sting can cause paralysis. Of deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, young girls are active in spring and early summer, while adults are active in spring and autumn. These ticks are the cause of being vectors of Lyme disease.
Reproduction
Ticks have four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They have only six legs during the larva phase and eight legs during the nymph and adult phases. They feed on blood during all phases. Pathogens, or organisms that cause disease in infected animals. This parasite transmits at any stage of its life cycle.
Special Feature
The larval development of the dog tick can last from 6 months to several years depending on the weather conditions. Furthermore, this arachnid can transmit diseases with their bites like encephalitis or Lyme disease. The dog’s tick and other ixodids live temporarily parasitizing vertebrates.
At other times of its life cycle, this species is outside of its host, subject for example to the vegetation, waiting for a new host to parasite. The dog’s tick is hard because it has its body protected by a hard shell. This arachnid gets to put between 500 to 5,000 eggs. These parasites can find in areas of the body of pets where their skin is finer and has a greater blood supply.
This species found:
- In the ears,
- Around the eyes,
- Between the fingers of the extremities,
- In the nape of the neck,
- In the stomach,
- Some dark places, among other places.
However, when the infestation is very severe, the parasite is distributed all over the body. Especially relevant in just 5 to 7 days, a female adult tick can grow up to 4 times in size and increase about 100 times its weight. All this at the expense of the blood of the parasitized pet.
Conclusion
Our goal was to provide a comprehensive guide that will help you identify and remove ticks from your home or property. We’ve also discussed the best ways to spot them, how they spread disease, and why it is important for humans to be aware of these pests. If this has been helpful please share with friends who live in areas where ticks are prevalent!
As A References: Wikipedia
