Deer Tick

Pest Status:

Name:

Ixodes Scapularis

Colour:

brownish color, which turns to brown-red after feeding

Size:

three to five millimeters long when unfed Females’ measure about ten millimeters long and appear darker.

Deer ticks belong to the arachnids, which are members of the spider family. Find out more about how to identify and control them.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Here are some facts on deer tick control.

Facts about Deer Ticks

A deer tick is a biting arachnid that has dark legs. It’s sometimes called the black-legged tick.

Where Do They Live?

Common in the northcentral, southeastern, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic. Often found around buildings and homes in secluded areas.

What Do They Eat?

Deer ticks feed on the blood of mammals.

How Did I Get Deer Ticks

You are at risk of attracting deer ticks if you live near wooded areas with field mice and large deer population. Ticks are attracted to high humidity, thick grass, and plenty of mammal population.

How serious are Deer Tick Problems?

Deer ticks can cause different problems like:

Bites

A deer tick bite is painless, and you won’t notice anything unless the symptoms appear. The females feed for an extended period, and they may stay attached to the skin of their victims.

Spread Illnesses

Deer ticks can cause illnesses like Powassan virus and Lyme disease. Although the pests will want to feed on rodents, deer, and other animals, they like attacking humans.

What Can I Do About Deer Ticks?

As a homeowner, you can keep deer ticks away by trimming the lawns and removing any debris around the yard. Be sure to check for ticks on skin and clothing after outdoor activities. When recommended, you can use a repellant.

Signs of a Deer Tick Infestation

You may have an infestation if you see these pests either in your animals or in surrounding areas. Another indication could be the diseases transmitted like the Lyme disease.

Deer Tick Prevention and Control Tips

You can practice deer tick control by:

Removing Nesting Materials

Make sure to dispose of rodent or bird nesting materials as deer ticks could infest them.

Use a Repellant

Apply an insect repellant meant for deer ticks when spending time in deer tick prone areas. Make sure to wear light-colored and protective clothing to prevent ticks from getting onto your skin. Conduct a body-check to make sure that no ticks have attached to your pets or body.

Deer Tick Professional Pest Control

It’s crucial to contact a deer tick pest control company for inspection and identification. Qualified and experienced staff will recommend removing specific sites that may harbor the ticks. They’ll also come up with a tick control plan that includes the right products to eliminate these pests.

More information about deer ticks

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/d/deer-tick/
https://tickencounter.org/tick_identification/deer_tick
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/transmission/index.html

FAQ’s

Do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease?

Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease. However, according to the CDC, every year, 30,000 Americans get Lyme Disease after being bitten by deer or black ticks. If you have an infestation of deer ticks use PestGuide to find you a pest control firm with the relevant experience.

What percentage of deer ticks carry Lyme disease?

The percentage of deer ticks that are carrying Lyme disease depends on the area. In the Northeast and Upper Midwest, up to 50% of deer ticks carry Lyme disease. Elsewhere, the percentage is much lower. However, all tick infestations should be dealt with by a professional exterminator like the ones you can contact via PestGuide.

How do you identify a deer tick?

To identify a deer tick, look at its coloring. They are either an orangey-red, dark brown or black, depending on what lifecycle stage they are at. If you have an infestation of them, it is wise to hire a professional pest controller via PestGuide to get rid of them. These ticks carry Lyme disease.