Groundhog ticks, which sometimes are referred to as woodchuck ticks, look a great deal like blacklegged deer ticks, which also are found in Newtown. Unlike deer ticks, groundhog ticks are not known to be vectors of Lyme disease nor do they particularly care for humans as hosts.
Nonetheless, an infestation of groundhog ticks is not desirable. They are vectors of the Powassan virus, which easily spreads to people. Preventing this illness typically is the primary reason why people request groundhog tick control at their residences or in commercial buildings and landscaping.
Groundhog ticks are widely distributed in every area to the east of the Rocky Mountains. Still, they are far less commonly encountered than other species like the dog tick or the deer tick. This means that less is known about the groundhog tick, but they remain an issue for people and pets alike.
Groundhog ticks may be found both indoors and outdoors, and the species is able to thrive in either environment. Accordingly, it can be difficult to eradicate them from homes, commercial buildings, yards and landscaping.
Using knowledge, experience and specialized equipment, exterminators are able to eradicate even the most stubborn groundhog tick infestations.
WHAT DO
GROUNDHOG TICK
S LOOK LIKE?
The average adult female measures only about one-eighth of an inch, which is equivalent to the size of a sesame seed. Males are slightly smaller than this. The female may display a tan to reddish-brown coloration that includes a darker dorsal shield on the back. The larvae and nymphs tend to be a light tan color and are tiny. Because groundhog ticks look so similar to deer ticks, microscopic identification is needed to determine the species and ensure proper treatment.
WHERE DO
GROUNDHOG
TICKS LIVE?
Groundhog ticks are most frequently found congregating around the burrows and dens of the small mammals that tend to be their preferred hosts. In fact, people and pets are most likely to encounter and pick up a groundhog tick when they are spending time in wilderness areas.
It is sensible for people to take certain precautions when they venture into places where small mammals are likely to be. Fields and forests are just two examples in which it makes sense to wear long sleeves and pants. Tuck the hems of the pants into boots or socks to prevent ticks from latching onto skin.
It further is wise to closely examine dogs after spending time in wilderness areas. Groundhog or other ticks easily can attach themselves as dogs move through tall grasses and foliage.
Removing the ticks at the wilderness site is an excellent preventative measure against spreading the problem to a home or business location.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
GROUNDHOG
TICKS
This species is not known to cause any damage to buildings or landscaping. Still, tick bites can be a serious concern with their potential to spread illness.
WHAT DO GROUNDHOG TICKS EAT?
Groundhog ticks use animals, birds and humans as hosts for blood meals. As their common names suggest, the groundhog, or woodchuck, tick generally prefers to feed on these small mammals. However, they also frequently are found feeding on cats, dogs, porcupines, weasels, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Many bird species, such as the robin, also may be used as hosts. Feeding on human blood is less likely but it does occur.
ARE GROUNDHOG TICKS AGGRESSIVE?
Groundhog ticks in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are single-minded in their quest for a blood meal. Incapable of jumping or flying, the hang out on leaves or blades of grass and wait for a host to come by. Once a host is found, the groundhog tick will hold on until it is physically removed.
This does make the groundhog tick seem aggressive, which means that it is critical for people to examine themselves for ticks before leaving wilderness areas. A tick check involves running hands over every part of the body, with special attention being paid to the armpits, around the ears, behind the knees, between the legs, inside the belly button, around the waist and around the hairline and scalp.
Fine-tipped tweezers may be used to remove ticks from people or pets. It further is advisable to clean the bite area with iodine or rubbing alcohol as soon as possible after removal of the tick.
DO GROUNDHOG TICKS CARRY DISEASE?
Groundhog ticks are a vector for Powassan virus, which is responsible for causing Powassan encephalitis. Although this disease is rare, it still occurs in the U.S. with most cases being concentrated in the Northeast.
Typically, the groundhog tick becomes infected with the virus when it feeds on an infected host. The tick then bites a person or another animal, and the harmful pathogens are transmitted.
People who have been bitten by a tick and receive the Powassan virus may exhibit symptoms such as fever, vomiting, headache, overall weakness, seizures, swelling of the brain and meningitis.
These symptoms usually appear within one to four weeks of being bitten. In severe cases, the patient may suffer various long-term effects such as memory difficulties, headaches, or even death.
HOW TO DETECT GROUNDHOG TICKS
Signs of a groundhog tick issue include:
• A tick attached to their body after time spent in the wilderness • A tick attached to a pet • A tick bite • Pets that seem unusually itchy
HOW TO PREVENT GROUNDHOG TICKS
To help protect against groundhog ticks the following steps should be taken:
• Doing thorough body checks of all people and pets that have spent time outdoors • Wearing clothing with long sleeves and legs • Tucking pant hems into boots or socks • Wearing a powerful insect repellent • Treating outdoor equipment, like tents, with insect repellent • Keeping lawns trimmed short • Not allowing foliage to get out of control
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.
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.
