From the single silvery-white spot that is on the back of females, lone star ticks are so named. These ticks attack people more frequently than any other tick species. Along with a circular rash, lone star ticks can transmit diseases. As quickly as possible, it is vital you remove the tick. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to relate the basic information regarding lone star ticks today.
Lone Star Tick Identification
When engorged Lone star ticks Lone star ticks are a reddish-brown but otherwise are a slate gray color. They only have 6 legs when they are larvae, however, they will have 8 legs by adulthood as they belong to the arachnid family. Males are considerably smaller than the females who average about ¼ inch long and ½ inch when engorged and both have oval-shaped and flattened bodies.
How to Remove Ticks
Seeing a lone star tick indicates an infestation. After attaching to your or a pet, they can detach and be left inside your home. Should you discover them attached to you or your pet, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Extract by applying even pressure and steadily pull upward. Before disposing of in a closed receptacle, wrap it tightly in a tissue, or flush the tick down the toilet. Using soap and warm water, be sure to clean the bite. If you develop any pains, headaches, fevers, or rashes, call a doctor.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
It can be challenging to avoid lone star ticks. Be sure to avoid lounging to long-on or against stumps, logs, or bushy areas and after being in such areas, and wear tick repellent and long-sleeved clothes, as experts recommend. After your excursions, inspect your body and pets and if any are found, remove them immediately.
3 Host Ticks
Lone star ticks are a 3-host tick, requiring a different host with each stage. They initially contact the host by crawling up on the tips of the low-growing vegetation, requiring a different host with each stage. When nymphs or adults will drop to the ground, find the host, and climb onto from the warmth and carbon dioxide stimulation. Lone star ticks cannot survive long exposure to the sun, so they stick to shaded areas. The habitat must also contain both small animal hosts for larvae, though adults require larger animals. For egg hatch and larval survival until host attachment, 65% or greater humidity levels are necessary. The larvae and often the nymphs will choose small animals such as gray fox, striped skunk, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, cotton rat, gray squirrel, cat, and ground-nesting birds as hosts. By adulthood host including wild cattle, white-tailed deer, turkey, cats, foxes, dogs, and people; humans being an ideal host for all 3 stages.
Lone Star Tick Diseases
Heartland virus, tularemia, Bourbon virus and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) can be transmitted from their bites. Great care needs to be applied, otherwise, you can develop a secondary infection because their long mouthparts make removal challenging and secondary infection can occur.
Tick Pest Control Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
Especially along the trails, paths, and yard edges can reduce their preferred habitat, the grass needs to be cut short and the vegetation trimmed back. If you are experiencing problems with lone star ticks or other pests, A-Tex Pest Management can ensure they are effectively eliminated.