Understanding Ticks
Ticks are small parasitic organisms that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are external parasites that bite into skin and suck blood through their feeding tube known as the hypostome.
Tick Appearance and Biology
Ticks have eight legs and rounded bodies when unfed, appearing more elongated after a blood meal. They are arachnids but not insects, with over 800 species found throughout the world.
Their life cycle includes four phases: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. After each feeding, ticks molt into the next phase.
Common Tick Species
In the United States, some ticks that commonly bite humans include:
- Blacklegged tick
- Lone star tick
- American dog tick
- Rocky Mountain wood tick
- Brown dog tick
- Gulf Coast tick
Diseases Transmitted by Ticks
Many tick-borne diseases are transmitted to hosts during feedings, such as:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Babesiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Tick-borne relapsing fever
- Tularemia
- STARI
Tick Bites on Humans
Tick bites often go unnoticed because of the anesthesia injected during attachment. However, some people may develop the following symptoms:
- Redness, swelling, warmth at bite site
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Skin rash
- Headache, fever, chills
Identifying Tick Bites
Examining the bite pattern itself can help identify if it is from a tick. Typical signs include:
- Central puncture or wound
- Ring-shaped rash
- Cluster of several bites
These reflect the feeding pattern as the tick burrows hypostome into skin and inserts additional mouthparts.
Embedded Ticks
An embedded tick lodged in skin can often still be felt and seen. Look closely for a small black dot resembling a wart or mole. Gently feel with fingertips for a small bump under skin.
Use tweezers to carefully remove embedded ticks. Avoid crushing tick body to lower disease risk. Thoroughly clean bite area afterwards.
Tick Bite Infection
Delayed signs of infection from pathogens transmitted during tick feeding may occur. These can include:
- Expanding red rash
- Flu-like fever
- Chills
- Headache or body aches
- Fatigue or weakness
- Stiff neck
See a healthcare provider if these or other suspicious symptoms arise after a tick bite.
Protecting Pets from Ticks
Pets like dogs and cats can also be fed on by ticks. Some tips to protect them include:
Avoid Tick Habitats
When walking or playing with pets outdoors, keep them away from wooded, bushy areas as much as possible. Stick to cleared lawns or dirt paths to limit tick exposure.
Use Veterinary Tick Preventatives
Topical or oral tick medicines help repel and kill ticks. Some require monthly reapplication, while chewables or collars work for several months. Follow all label directions.
Inspect and Remove Ticks
Check pets carefully for ticks after being outside, especially around the ears, neck, legs and belly. Remove any found with tweezers right where mouthparts enter skin.
Ask About Lyme Vaccines
Vaccines are available for dogs to help prevent Lyme disease transmission during tick bites. Check with your veterinarian to see if recommended based on risk factors like geography and lifestyle.
Storing Ticks for Later Identification
If a tick transmits illness, knowing the exact species can help inform medical treatment. Store collected specimens as follows:
Use Tick Containers
Place live or recently removed ticks in small plastic containers or vials filled with rubbing alcohol. Screw lids on tightly to prevent leakage or escape.
Label each container with the host, location on body, and date removed. This aids species identification later.
Avoid Crushing Ticks
Be careful not to crush specimen tick bodies. This releases pathogens increasing disease transmission risks to pets and humans.
Use plastic forceps or tweezers when handling stored ticks. Avoid touching them with fingers.
Take Containers to Experts
Most veterinary clinics can identify common pet tick species for their region under a microscope. County health departments, universities, or agricultural extensions can also assist.
Provide dates, locations and symptoms when submitting samples to help link ticks to any illnesses.
Can Ticks Chew Through Plastic Bags?
No. While ticks have strong mouthparts specialized for cutting skin, they cannot actually chew materials like plastic bags once detached from a host body.
Reasons Why
Ticks lack the proper chewing structures and digestive system to break down non-living materials. Plastic bags are also too thick for their small, delicate mouthparts to penetrate.
Additionally, ticks quickly die without access to blood meals from hosts - usually within weeks for adults. Chewing and digesting abilities deteriorate as the tick starves.
Storing Ticks in Plastic Bags
Sealed plastic bags can safely contain ticks detached from a pet or human for later identification. The plastic provides a protective barrier that keeps pathogens in and prevents escape.
Use very small bags and ensure excess air is gently squeezed out before sealing to prevent floatation. Avoid compression that could crush delicate tick bodies and release infectious fluids.
As an added safety precaution, place sealed tick bags into a second containment bag or jar. Label all enclosures accurately.
Protecting Against Tick Bites
You can reduce the chances of tick bites through several precautionary measures:
- Wear EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
- Wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes
- Stay on trails when hiking
- Perform full-body tick checks after exposure
- Carefully remove any attached ticks promptly
- Ask doctor about preventative antibiotics if in endemic areas
Take steps to tick-proof your yard and avoid high grass. Promptly treat pets with tick preventatives. Reduce the risk of tickborne disease transmission to both humans and animals.
FAQs
Can ticks chew through ziplock bags?
No. Once detached, ticks cannot chew through any plastic due to their small size and mouthpart structure. Sealed ziplock bags safely contain ticks removed from pets or humans.
How long can ticks live in a plastic jar?
Ticks typically die within a few weeks without access to feed on a host. A sealed plastic jar prevents escape and pathogens from releasing while storing ticks until identification.
Should you put tweezers in the tick container?
No. Use plastic forceps or clean tweezers when initially handling ticks, but do not leave tweezers inside sealed specimen containers. This lowers disease transmission risk if ticks are accidentally crushed.
Can ticks bite through plastic gloves?
No. Plastic gloves provide a protective barrier if you must handle live or recently fed ticks. Be cautious of sharp mouthparts when pressing gloves directly against ticks.
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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