Ten Questions: Ticks

I'm going to give this ten questions thing a try. Looks like fun. With all the nature lovers reading Nature Center Magazine, I know there are lots of people here who like to travel off the beaten path. We are the explorers of nature after all. And there are lots of things waiting to help themselves at your expense if you aren't careful. Ticks are one of those things. So let's see if we can answer 10 questions about these little critters.


I can't tell you all about ticks with only 10 questions but maybe I can make you aware of a few things.

What kind of insect are ticks?
Ticks are not insects. They are arachnids like spiders.

Do ticks really spread disease?
Boy, do they! Besides Lyme disease, there is Q fever, Colorado tick fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, babesiosis, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, tick-borne meningoencephalitis just to name a few.

Why do ticks attach themselves to other animals?
Ticks live on the blood of the animal (including us humans) they attach to.

Why don't I feel it when a tick bites?
Many ticks secrete or regurgitate small amounts of saliva that contain neurotoxins. These are nerve poisons that anesthetize the area. Some people are allergic to these secretions and could have a severe allergic reaction to the tick bite.

Then how can I tell if I have a tick bite?
About the only way is to check your whole body thoroughly at least once a day, paying close attention to exposed areas and creases and hairy places. If you are able, more often is a good idea, especially with kids.

What should I do if I find a tick?
Use alcohol to disinfect the area. Then use pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible which should be right above the tick's head. Pull slowly and steadily upward to avoid breaking the tick. Remember that it's head is at least partly burrowed under the skin. Wash the area and your hands with soap and water.Try to save the tick for examination by someone who can properly identify it and check for disease. Also watch for signs of infection at the site of the bite and be aware of any symptoms of disease.

How can I avoid ticks?
Try to avoid known tick-infested areas. Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots or sturdy shoes, and head covering). Light colored clothes make it easier to see ticks. Tuck your pants legs into your socks and tape the area where socks and pants meet. Don't forget to check for ticks anyway.

Is there tick repellent?
Permethrin can be used to treat clothing. While it is available to use on skin, try clothes first. The EPA has determined that is is safe for children and infants if used on clothing. It comes in a spray, liquid, and cream.

How do I make my home safe from ticks?
Ticks do not like dry conditions or short grass so the best way is to keep your lawn cut and weed free. Clean up areas that might attract rodents, such as spilled birdseed and old wood piles. Weeds along edges of your property that can't be mowed can be treated with insecticide.

What about pets?
Check periodically for ticks. Pets can be affected by ticks in the same ways we can. Ticks can also change hosts or reproduce if left unchecked. If you see a tick on your carpet, vacuum it immediately, seal the bag and dispose of it. If your house becomes a haven for ticks, you will have to have it professionally treated.

Well I now know more about ticks than I want to. How about you?

Copas