Black-legged ticks are aggressive pests in Philadelphia. Some people are more familiar with these arachnids by their other common name, deer ticks. Regardless of what they are called, these pests are capable of spreading numerous harmful pathogens that can make people seriously ill.
One of the main reasons why species like the black-legged tick make people wary is that they are external parasites. This means that they take blood meals from an assortment of mammals, including people. Blood meals are an essential part of black legged tick development at several stages, so people who are dealing with an infestation may suffer from several bites at once.
Although they prefer to live in the forests, meadows, pastures and grasslands where their favorite hosts, white-tailed deer, are found, black-legged ticks frequently are carried back to places where people live and work. This happens quite easily, typically without the human host being aware. The pests also will attach themselves to pets or children in an attempt to get a blood meal.
Unless tick checks are performed before leaving territory where black-legged ticks may be found, these pests can be carried back to live in landscaping, homes and offices. Some of these ticks may carry dangerous illnesses, like Lyme disease and Babesiosis, with them. Accordingly, it is wise for people to do everything in their power to avoid black-legged ticks and to take swift action when an infestation is suspected.
Controlling black-legged tick populations is not straightforward. Wise property owners ask a licensed pest control company to undertake the job.
WHAT DO
BLACK-LEGGED TICK
S LOOK LIKE?
Blac-klegged ticks are minuscule, with mature adults having approximately the same measurements as a sesame seed. Blood meals do make them swell, but they will be flatter if it has been some time since they had a blood meal. The body is oval shaped and has a soft shell that is reddish in color. A black dorsal shield is one of the black legged tick's most distinctive features. With thin, pointed mouthparts, this pest is designed to pierce the skin of any host.
WHERE DO
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS LIVE?
Wherever white-tailed deer are found, black-legged ticks are bound to be nearby. Accordingly, places that offer outdoor recreation for people are likely to be infested with these bothersome pests.
The areas where black-legged ticks are likely to be found may include those with heavy underbrush and tall grasslands. Similarly, deciduous forests are known to offer ideal living conditions for deer and ticks. When people go hiking, kayaking, camping or engage in other outdoor activities, they are susceptible to bringing ticks back to the places where they live and work. Children and pets also can be hosts for ticks. Accordingly, it is sensible for tick checks to be conducted on all people and pets before leaving outdoor recreation areas.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BLACK-LEGGED
TICKS
It is not common for black-legged ticks to cause extensive property damage. Still, their presence may make people uneasy, and the possibility that these pests can spread illness makes control of this species imperative. It further is worth noting that people may have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars each year having their pets treated for ticks and tick-related illnesses.
WHAT DO BLACK-LEGGED TICKS EAT?
The species shows a notable preference for feeding on white-tailed deer, but when these animals are not available, black legged ticks will feed on just about any other mammal. In fact, members of the species also have been discovered feeding from birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Black-legged ticks are well adapted to find a host as they can readily detect the breath and body odor of animals. Body heat, moisture and the vibrations caused as the animal moves across the land also can be sensed by these pests. Black-legged ticks have little trouble attaching themselves to hosts. After climbing onto a plant or a blade of tall grass along a pathway, the tick "quests" with its front legs extended. When a host wanders by, it simply climbs aboard.
The tick frequently will roam across the host's body, looking for a spot with thinner skin that will make feeding easier. Inserting a barbed feeding tube, the tick begins to feed, and it may stay attached for several days until it is full.
ARE BLACK-LEGGED TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
Members of this species seem to have just one thing on their minds: Obtaining blood meals. To achieve this end, the black-legged tick will feed on any host that it is fortunate enough to find. Feeding continues until the tick is fully engorged, a process that may involve several days.
It is possible to physically remove black-legged ticks from a host with a pair of tweezers. Any ticks that are discovered during a tick check can be removed in this fashion before people get into the car to return home. This helps to prevent the spread of black-legged tick infestations.
DO BLACK-LEGGED TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
Perhaps the most well-known and common illness that is spread by black-legged ticks is Lyme disease. In fact, this illness is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. People who believe that they have been bitten by a black-legged tick and develop symptoms such as rash, fever, headache and extreme fatigue may be suffering from the early stages of this disease. If it not addressed by a doctor, Lyme disease can harm the joints, nervous system and heart. Fortunately, Lyme disease generally can be treated with antibiotics.
Another illness that is carried and spread by black-legged ticks is Anaplasmosis. Treatment with antibiotics is common for symptoms such as chronic headaches, fever, shaking, chills and muscle aches. If treatment is not provided in a timely fashion, patients may lose their appetite, suffer diarrhea, experience abdominal pain and other troubling symptoms.
Rarest among the illnesses that are spread by black-legged ticks is Babesiosis. People infected with this disease may develop loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, chills, fever and sweats. Unstable blood pressure, organ failure and blood clots are among the later signs of the illness. With a combination of medications, it is possible to treat and recover from Babesiosis.
HOW TO DETECT BLACK-LEGGED TICKS
Signs of a black-legged tick issue include:
• Finding ticks on themselves, a child or a pet during a tick check • Manifesting unusual symptoms a few days or weeks after spending time outdoors
HOW TO PREVENT BLACK-LEGGED TICKS
To help protect against black-legged ticks the following steps should be taken:
• Wear insect repellent when outdoors • Wear long sleeves and pants in wilderness areas • Keep lawns shorter • Perform tick checks every time after spending time outdoors • When outside, wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see
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 Philadelphia 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.
Proper tick removal begins with a thorough inspection. If you suspect you may have a tick problem, call Newtown today to schedule a free inspection.
