What Is A Tick?
200 tick species belong to the arachnid family. They are not insects, but are related to spiders and scorpions. Ticks feed on the blood of dogs, cats, deer, humans and other warm blooded creatures. They crawl onto their victim and stay attached, sucking the blood, until they are physically removed. This is unpleasant enough, but this is all important to know, since ticks carry serious diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
How Do Ticks Travel?
An adult tick lays between 4-5,000 eggs on the ground, usually in moist areas with tall vegetation. After the eggs hatch, the six-legged larvae crawl up the legs of animals or humans that are passing by. Once they have sucked their first meal of blood, they develop into their next growth stage. They become nymphs, with eight legs. After ingesting more blood, they mature into their adult form, also having eight legs.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Ticks?
There are several important ways to protect yourself from ticks. When hiking, keep away from tall grassy areas. Wear clothing that is not loose, and use insect repellent that contains DEET. At home, keep your lawn short. If there are deer in the neighborhood, consider spraying a chemical to kill ticks on your lawn. Get your dog vaccinated against Lyme Disease. Check your animals, your children, and yourself for ticks after being outside.
What should I Do If A Tick Bites Me?
Use tweezers to remove the tick. If you develop symptoms of a disease that could have been caused by the tick, tell your doctor about the bite so you can be tested and treated appropriately.
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