What Do Ticks Look Like? Tick Appearance and Size
Ticks have round or oval-shaped bodies that become engorged with blood as they feed. After hatching from eggs as tiny six-legged larvae, ticks develop into larger eight-legged nymphs and adults.
Unfed Tick Size
Unfed ticks can be as small as a poppy seed or grain of sand. Even the larger adult deer ticks are only about 14 inch long. This makes spotting ticks difficult.
Engorged Tick Size
Once latched onto a host and feeding, ticks grow substantially in size as they ingest large amounts of blood. An engorged tick can swell up to 10 times its normal size. They stretch out to accommodate the influx of blood that can take days to ingest.
What Do Tick Bites Look Like?
The area around a tick bite may appear:
- Red
- Swollen
- Painful
- Itchy
- Blistery or scabbed over
- Display a bullseye-shaped rash (sign of Lyme disease)
Types of Ticks in the US
There are over 90 species of ticks across the country. The most commonly encountered include:
Deer Tick
Deer ticks live in wooded areas and tall grass. They are brown or black with white markings. Deer ticks are vectors for:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
Dog Tick
Dog ticks inhabit grassy, brushy areas and wooded trails. They are brown with white dots along the back. Dog ticks transmit:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Tularemia
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks live in overgrown grassy locations. Females have a distinctive white dot on their back. Lone stars can cause:
- Ehrlichiosis
- STARI
Groundhog Tick
Found mainly east of the Rocky Mountains near den areas of chipmunks and other small animals dwelling underground. Groundhog ticks spread tularemia bacteria.
Brown Dog Tick
Prefer warm climates and transmit the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever to dogs and people.
Diseases Transmitted By Tick Bites
Tickborne illnesses are on the rise across the United States. Ticks spread pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites when they bite that can trigger severe inflammatory reactions and infections.
Lyme Disease
Flu-like illness accompanied by rash, fever, fatigue. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial.
Anaplasmosis
Bacteria infecting white blood cells. Causes chills, fever, muscle pains.
Ehrlichiosis
Bacterial illness with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Spotted rash appears after bacterial infection. Headaches and abdominal pain precede rash.
Babesiosis
Malaria-like sickness from red blood cell parasite. Sweating, fatigue, dark urine occur.
Powassan
Rare tick-borne virus affecting nervous system. Fever, vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination, memory issues.
Alpha-gal Syndrome
Potentially severe red meat allergy triggered by lone star tick bites resulting in hives, stomach pains, breathing difficulties hours after consumption.
How to Prevent Tick Bites & Reduce Risk of Illness
Avoid Tick Habitats
When hiking, walking, or playing in tick-prone areas like forests, meadows and overgrown grass:
- Wear closed toe shoes and tuck pants into socks
- Stay in center of trails
Use Repellants Containing DEET or Permethrin
Apply EPA approved insect repellants to deter ticks from latching on. Reapply frequently for continual effectiveness. Treat clothes and gear with permethrin.
Conduct Tick Checks
Check yourself, children and pets thoroughly after spending time outdoors where ticks reside. Catching ticks quickly reduces transmission
FAQs
What do ticks look like?
Ticks have small, rounded bodies that swell up as they feed on host blood. Their size ranges from tiny poppy seeds to engorged peas/beans.
Can ticks make you sick?
Yes, some ticks carry and transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites through bites that cause illnesses.
How can you prevent tick bites?
Avoid tick habitats, wear protective clothing, use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, check for ticks after being outdoors, shower soon after coming inside.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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