Ticks have been around for nearly 90 million years, and are considered arachnids, which is the same classification as spiders. These pests are known for their bloodsucking tendencies after having burrowed underneath your skin. Ticks are commonly found in grassy area or woods that have tall trees. If you’re someone that enjoys spending time outdoors in settings like what we’ve just mentioned, it’s crucial that you understand more about these pests and the dangers that they pose.
What are Ticks?
As we mentioned before, ticks are classified as an arachnid. They are small in size, so you don’t have to worry about large ticks finding their way into your home, but you do have to worry about them getting under your skin. Ticks require blood meals in order to complete their later life cycles.
Altogether, there are roughly 800 different species of ticks, but only two of those species are known for being able to transmit diseases or illness to humans. Hard ticks are known as Ixodiadae, and soft ticks known as Argasidae are the two that you need to be concerned about.
Adult female ticks are much more common than males as they die right after mating. That being said, these pests have a very complex life cycle in which blood meals play a part. Keep reading to learn more about the life cycle of the tick.
Tick Life Cycle
The main fear that is associated with ticks is that of having them burrow under your skin, and sucking your blood. The reason that ticks do this is because of their complex life cycles and how they evolve. Ticks start out as eggs that become larvae, turn into nymphs and then become adult female and male ticks. There are a few parts of this life cycle that do require blood meals in order for the tick to survive.
The larvae, nymphs, and adult ticks all need blood meals to survive, and it’s shown that more bites will happen from a female tick than a male tick. This life cycle is one that is only possible with those blood meals, making our worst nightmares a huge part of their ability to stay alive.
Risk Factor of Ticks
Knowing that the blood meals are a part of the life cycle, you can anticipate all ticks to be hungry and jump on the opportunity for a meal when they find it. Though some ticks will have one single source for all of the blood meals, many ticks will feast on different sources throughout the process of their life cycle.
Between April to September, ticks are known for living in the shaded, grassy and wooded areas. This makes them a risk for anyone that enjoys spending time in the outdoors during those warmer months. Here in Sacramento, it’s crucial that anyone spending large amounts of time outdoors is not only taking preventative measures when spending time in the outdoors but that they’re also checking for any signs of a tick upon leaving.
As we speak about risk, it is important that we mention that these pests are not only a risk to you, but to your pets as well. A blood meal is a blood meal, regardless of where it’s coming from. If you’re going to be taking your four-legged friends along for an adventure in the wilderness, you need to take the same precautionary steps to ensure that they’re safe from the risks that ticks pose.
Preventative Steps to Take
If you are someone that enjoys spending time outdoors, then the one thing you need to do is take advantage of the preventative measures that are available. While temperatures are higher between April and September, make sure that you’re covering your body up from the chance of a bite. Covering the nape of your neck is a must as this is one of the places that ticks are known for biting.
Aside from wearing the right clothes, you want to prepare by bringing bug spray that is made with ticks in mind. Having this type of spray on hand is great for both you and any furry friends that are going to join you on your adventure.
By preparing for any outdoor activities with both your attire and the proper bug spray, you can drastically decrease the chances of being bit by a tick.
Tick Bite Symptoms & Signs
One of the best ways to ensure that you are taking care of a tick as soon as possible is to check for bites when you leave an outdoor excursion. Unlike most bites, a bite from a tick is somewhat difficult to detect because they’re pretty painless. This could even be the case with the blood meal and the falling off of the tick.
After a bite, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Redness
- Chance of Rash
- Numbness
- Swelling
For some individuals, a tick bite can turn into something more severe. It could be because of allergies or sensitivity, but the following symptoms could also show:
- Fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Paralysis
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Palpitations
If any of the above symptoms are showing, it’s imperative that you go and see a medical professional immediately.
Call Our Team Today
If you have a tick problem at your home, you can count on the team at Earthwise Pest Management to help. We provide our services to the greater Sacramento area and are eager to help anyone that needs our assistance. As a whole, our team is extremely knowledgeable on various inspects and is always more than happy to assist you with any questions that you may have.
Contact our team today if you’re interested in scheduling services or would like a consultation.