Also known as a deer tick, the black-legged tick is one of Newtown's most common ticks. It is one of the most notorious of these pests because of the dangerous pathogens that it spreads.
Like other ticks, black-legged ticks undergo four life stages which are: egg, larva, nymph and adult. At most of these stages, the tick indulges in blood meals. It feeds on a variety of vertebrates, including people and pets, though white-tailed deer are the preferred host.
Black-legged ticks are encountered in tall grasslands, areas with shrubs and deciduous forests. These areas also are commonly home to white-tailed deer. People and dogs also visit these areas, making it easy for black-legged ticks to spread to residential and commercial buildings as well as the yards and landscaping that surround them.
These dangerous pests are vectors for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. With the possibility of spreading serious illnesses, it is critical to seek black-legged tick control as soon as possible.
Tick control is a complicated and involved process. Most property owners do not have the expertise or the necessary supplies that are required to stop ticks. When black-legged ticks invade, exterminators can make the strongest possible response.
WHAT DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS LOOK LIKE?
Black-legged ticks are some of the smallest ticks in North America. Full-grown adults only reach a size that is equivalent to that of a sesame seed. When they take a blood meal, they may swell to a slightly larger size. The bodies are flat and oval-shaped, and they do not have hard shells. With a distinctive reddish color and a highly visible dorsal shield that is solid black, the black-legged tick also has thin mouth parts that are sharply pointed. Ticks are arachnids, which means that they have eight legs.
WHERE DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS LIVE?
This species is most frequently found in places around Newtown where white-tailed deer also live. Many of these areas are commonly visited by people and their pets, which enhances the opportunities for black-legged ticks to spread.
Deciduous forests, tall grasslands and areas with heavy shrubs are the most likely places to pick up black-legged ticks. Many people bring an infestation back with them after a day of hiking or a night spent camping. Performing a thorough tick check on people, pets and gear is an essential part of stopping the spread of black-legged ticks.
WHAT DO BLACK-LEGGED TICKS EAT?
These pests survive on a diet of blood that is collected from vertebrates. The white-tailed deer is the favored host for this species, which gives rise to its alternative name, deer tick. White-tailed deer may be preferred, but black-legged ticks also will feed off of amphibians, reptiles, birds and people.
These pests find a host by detecting body odor and breath. Also capable of sensing vibrations, moisture and body heat, it generally is not a challenge for black-legged ticks to find a meal. The tick simply waits on a well-traveled path, adopting a position that is known as "questing," which involves holding on to a leaf or other vegetation with their rear legs while leaving their forelegs available to latch onto a host. The tick climbs onto a host with incredible speed at the first contact with a pair of legs or other body part.
The tick may explore the host's body, looking for an appropriate feeding spot. When one is found, it cuts through the skin's surface and inserts a feeding tube. The feeding tube has barbs that hold it in place.
The tick will stay attached, feeding all the while, for several days if it is allowed to do so.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BLACK-LEGGED TICKS
This species does not cause damage to landscaping or man-made structures. Nonetheless, many people are sensitive to the presence of these blood-sucking parasites. Their tiny size makes it easy for them to hide almost anywhere, and most people do not like the idea of sharing the spaces in which they live and work with such a bloodthirsty companion.
ARE
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
Members of the species are indiscriminate when it comes to choosing a host. Any warm body that happens by will serve the purpose. The tick will latch on and not let go for several days. It is feeding the entire time, slowly sipping blood until it is fully engorged.
It is possible to remove ticks with a pair of tweezers. People are encouraged to remove ticks from themselves, children and pets before getting into the car to return from a day spent in the wilderness. Otherwise, the tick will remain attached and continue to feed.
DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
Black-legged ticks are recognized vectors for illnesses such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis.
In the U.S., Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness. Symptoms may include fatigue, headache and fever as well as a skin rash. When the condition is untreated, it can spread to the nervous system, heart and joints. Antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed treatment for Lyme disease.
People who are diagnosed with Anaplasmosis usually present with symptoms such as chills, shaking, muscle aches, fever and severe headache. Some patients additionally may experience joint pain, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Once again, antibiotics can be used to address this condition.
Babesiosis is rare, but when it appears it involves signs such as headache, loss of appetite, chills, fever, sweats, fatigue and nausea. Certain people will develop hemolytic anemia in which red blood cells are destroyed. When untreated, Babesiosis can be responsible for blood clots, organ failure and instability of blood pressure. Doctors typically prescribe a combination of drugs to combat this illness.
HOW TO
BLACK-LEGGED
DETECT TICKS
Signs of a black-legged tick problem include:
• Seeing a tick on an adult or child • Finding a tick on a pet • Developing unusual symptoms after time spent in a possibly tick-infested area
HOW TO PREVENT
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS
To help prevent black-legged ticks issues the precautions should be taken:
• Mow grass to a lower level, especially around swing sets, trees, sheds, fence lines and shrubs • Get rid of woodpiles, weeds and yard debris that may attract mice and other tick-infested animals • Place tight lids on garbage cans to discourage foraging by tick-infested animals • Use insect repellent in possibly tick-infested areas • Tuck pant legs into boots or socks to minimize skin exposure • Wear light-colored clothing in possibly tick-infested areas to make the pests easier to see • Check pets and children for ticks when they come indoors
HOW TO TREAT FOR TICKS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we take tick problems seriously. That's why we employ a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing tick control for your home or business.
Our treatment process includes all of the areas where ticks ate known to hide, including cracks, crevices, around doors, windows, baseboards, carpeting, furniture, and pet areas.
We use only the finest professional-grade products available designed to kill ticks on contact as well as to provide long-lasting protection against future infestations.
