Ticks

Black-legged ticks, or deer ticks, attach themselves to animals or humans and proceed to obtain their blood meal by biting the victim.

Identification

• Ticks are orange-brown with dark legs

• Flat, broad oval shape

• 1/8 inch long

Environment

• Ticks live in low lying areas such as grass, shrubs, and bushes while waiting for a passing host to attach on to

• Female ticks have about 3,000 eggs in the spring

• Ticks feed on humans, mice, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, dogs, and birds

Threats

• Tick bites can cause irritation around the site of the bite, allergic reaction, or mouth parts can remain in the host’s skin when the tick is removed

• Ticks are known to transfer Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis

Treatment

• When in wooded areas or tall grass, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed toed shoes

• Use a bug repellent that contains DEET

• Keep grass and other vegetation on your property cut and maintained

• Inspect yourself for ticks after being outdoors

• Inspect your pets for ticks after being outdoors

• If ticks are found on you or pets, use tweezers to remove with slow, gentle, upward pressure