Ticks

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are tiny parasitic arthropods (related to spiders and mites) that attach themselves to the skin of their hosts while they feed on their blood. There are several species of ticks that we deal with in New York, Connecticut, and the rest of our service area, and they include: 

Black-Legged Ticks
Also known as the deer tick, it’s about the size of a pin. This tick can live two to three years and has only three blood meals during that time. They are slow feeders and will feed for 3 to 5 days. They live in wooded or brush-filled areas where mice, deer, and other mammals (the deer tick’s preferred sources of food) can be found. The nymphs and adults of this species will feed on humans.

American Dog Ticks
This tick can range up to half an inch in length and is the most common tick in our area. It is reddish brown with white or yellow markings and has a flat body with a hard protective ‘shield’. This tick can be found in wooded areas that are frequented by their preferred hosts including mice, voles, squirrels, chipmunks, moles, and rabbits, among others. The adult life stage of this species of tick will feed on humans, while the younger stages rarely (if ever) feed on humans. 

Lone Star Ticks
Also known as the wood tick, this tick is easily distinguishable from other ticks because the female of the species has a pronounced white dot or ‘star’ on the center of her back. They are between 1/3 and ½ inch long and frequent thickly wooded areas along creeks and near rivers and other animal resting places. All life stages of this tick will feed on humans. 

Things You Should Know:

• Ticks require blood to survive.
• Ticks are arachnids.
• Ticks feed for long periods of time and can stay attached to the host for days.
• Ticks can transmit many disease such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• It typically take 24-48 hours for a tick to successfully transmit a disease.

Why Are They On My Property?

If you live in a densely wooded area, ticks are likely hiding in the brush, waiting for their next blood meal. If you live in a more urban area, they will be brought onto your property by their current hosts, animals including rabbits, birds, mice, squirrels, moles, voles, larger livestock including deer, and even your family pets or neighboring cats. You can also pick up ticks when walking or hiking on trails and enjoying other outdoor activities. All stages of ticks will feed on humans given the chance.