Read More About Ticks
Ticks suck. Literally. They feast on blood, and they spread disease. Ticks are members of the arachnid family. Marked by their 8 legs and lack of body segments. There are over 850 different species, all with a great lust for blood. These ectoparasites survive through bloodsucking on whatever mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian that they can
creep upon.
Their bodies tend to be small and flat, sometimes no bigger than a sesame seed. They are stealthy, hardy and have a vice-like a grip on
their host.
Ticks can locate hosts by sensing their body heat, breath, body odours, moisture and even vibrations. They will position themselves on a well-used path and will just hang out on a blade of grass. Just waiting for someone or something to walk by.
When a deer, rabbit or toddler walks by the tick just climbs aboard. Their eight legs are covered in spiny little hairs, punctuated by a tiny claw at the end. All great for grasping onto its host.
Once in position, the tick grabs the skin and slices into it before inserting its feeding tube. Some ticks secrete a cement-like goo that locks their mouthparts in place so they can’t fall off while feeding. Their saliva has a type of anti-coagulant in it that keeps the host’s blood from clotting so they can keep sucking it up.
Many tick mouthparts contain fish hook-like barbs that point
backward which makes them hard to pull out once they have started feeding.
Once in position, the tick grabs the skin and slices into it before inserting its feeding tube. Some ticks secrete a cement-like goo that locks their mouthparts in place so they can’t fall off while feeding. Their saliva has a type of anti-coagulant in it that keeps the host’s blood from clotting so they can keep sucking it up.
Many tick mouthparts contain fish hook-like barbs that point backward which makes them hard to pull out once they have started feeding.
Another reason to dislike ticks is their tendency to spread disease. If a host has a blood-borne infection the ticks will suck up that pathogen along with the blood and then transmit it to their next host through their saliva.
The list of diseases that ticks can spread is long and scary. Ranging from Lyme disease to Colorado and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Meningo-Encephalitis, African Tick Bite Fever, Tick Paralysis, and on and on.
Symptoms of these ailments include fever, headache, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and if left untreated heart and nervous system problems. Even temporary paralysis.
If you suspect tick activity on your property or just want to keep them away from yourself and your family we recommend that you contact a pest control professional who will be able to help with this.