Ixodida

Ticks are small bloodsucking parasites belonging to the arachnid class. They are not insects. They are related to spiders, scorpions, and mites. There are over 800 species around the world. Many species transmit diseases to animals and people including Lyme disease, tularemia  and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are second only to mosquitos as transporters of human disease.

Identification and Appearance – What do ticks look like?

Ticks can be brown, reddish-brown, black, yellowish, or grayish-white in color. They have pear shaped bodies. Ticks hatch with 6 legs then acquire 2 more legs after a blood meal and molting. Nymphal and adult ticks have 8 legs. Ticks do not have antennae. Almost all ticks belong to one of two families, the hard ticks (Ixodidae) or the soft ticks (Argasidae). Hard ticks have a beak-like structure at the front containing the mouthparts. Soft ticks have their mouthparts under their bodies. Ticks are typically the size of an apple seed but can be larger after feeding. Adult ticks range from .08 to .39 of an inch in length.

Habitat and Habits of ticks

Ticks generally live close to their hosts. This includes rodents, deer, birds, dogs, cats, and humans. They do not live on their hosts. Ticks attach themselves to their host to feed and then detach themselves to drop off. They are typically found in outdoor areas with woods, shrubs, weeds, and tall grasses where they can attach to a host. Ticks prefer humid environments but are adaptable to dryer areas. Depending on the species, ticks live from 3 months to 3 years.

Diet – What do ticks eat?

Ticks feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

Tick Control – How to get rid of ticks?

Ticks are hard to control. They live in areas with dense vegetation such as areas with lots of trees and bushes. Often an infestation can go unnoticed until they show up on pets or people.  Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest will inspect your yard, develop a comprehensive treatment plan, treat the needed areas, and then create an ongoing tick control  plan. Some areas, due to dense vegetation and weather, will periodically need additional tick treatment.