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University
of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets
Deer
Ticks Ixodes
scapularis
Acarina: Ixodidae
The
deer tick is found in grassy areas, open fields, and especially
the margin where fields meet wooded areas. The deer tick transmits
a bacteria which causes Lyme disease, a serious human disease that
exhibits symptoms common to many other diseases. It is initially
flu-like but if not treated can develop into rheumatoid arthritis-type
conditions. Lyme disease is not usually fatal but can be debilitating
and difficult to treat if not detected early. Adult
deer ticks are tiny--approximately the size of a sesame seed. Males
are black; females have a brick-red abdomen and a black shield near
the head. Females swell to 1/4 mm when fully engorged after feeding.
Adults are found primarily from September through November, and
again in March and April. Adults feed mainly on deer, but will also
attack cattle, horses, dogs, etc. Humans are accidental hosts. After
hatching from an egg in late spring, deer ticks go through three
life stages: larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a different
host animal. During each stage a tick feeds only once. Deer ticks
need 2 years to complete their life cycle. The larvae are tan and
very small (about the size of a pin head). They feed in late summer
(near ground level) on mice, shrews, chipmunks, voles, and other
small animals. Newly hatched deer ticks do not initially carry Lyme
disease; they pick it up from an infected animal. The white-footed
mouse is the primary carrier/source of the Lyme disease bacterium.
A tick that picks up the bacterium from feeding will pass it to
the next life stage and is able to infect future host animals. Nymphs
are the size of a poppy seed. They are beige, sometimes appearing
transparent with a dark head. Nymphs feed from May through August
on larger animals including birds, raccoons, opossum, squirrels,
cats, dogs and human beings.
The risk of being bitten by a deer tick infected with Lyme disease
is greatest in the summer months of June and July when the nymph
stage is active. This is the time of year when people (and notably
children) are most active outdoors. Make a habit of thoroughly checking
yourself and others for the tiny nymph following outdoor activities.
The risk is also high in the fall, when adults are active. However,
the adults are easier to see and remove than the nymphs. If you
live in or have visited an area with a high incidence of ticks,
it is important to know the symptoms of Lyme disease: *
Headache
* Flu-like symptoms
* Spreading "bull's-eye" rash from the tick bite
* Swelling and pain in the joints Lyme
disease symptoms mimic many other diseases. About 80 percent of
Lyme disease victims develop a rash within two days to four weeks.
If untreated, more severe symptoms may develop--sometimes months
to years later. If you suspect that you have contracted Lyme disease,
consult a physician immediately.
If you find a tick on your body, remove it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE;
ticks must be attached for 24 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted.
To remove feeding ticks, use tweezers ONLY; do NOT use nail polish,
Vaseline, matches or other methods that may traumatize the tick
and cause it to regurgitate its gut contents. Grasp the tick with
tweezers around its head, close to the skin and pull it up slowly
and firmly. Disinfect the bite afterwards with antiseptic. Avoid ticks
outdoors by avoiding walking through tall grass and shrubby areas.
Wear slacks tucked into socks and light colored clothing to make
it easier to detect ticks. Stay close to the center of hiking trails
to avoid brushing against vegetation. Check companions and children
frequently for ticks. Apply repellents such as DEET to shoes, socks
and pants. Keep grass mowed around buildings and in home lawns and
along paths. Remove brush adjacent to trails and public areas which
might serve as animal resting sites.
Adapted
from Dewey M. Caron, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension,
1999
Pesticides
are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels.
Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach
of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers
immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never
be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.
When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement
is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials.
Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for
the state of use.
The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury
or property damage.
For more
information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline
at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island;
Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.
University
of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program
opportunities.
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