Deer ticks can be a major problem for Daphne residents, thanks to the fact that they are the most common vectors of Lyme disease. It is important to recognize deer ticks and understand proper tick removal and tick protection.
Understanding Deer Ticks
As we mentioned above, deer ticks are the most common vectors of Lyme disease. This tick is sometimes referred to as the black-legged tick, but its preferred host, the white-tailed deer, earns it the easily recognizable name of deer tick. This tick is orangish-brown with dark legs and has a flat, oval body when not engorged with blood.
It is important to note that while deer ticks are vectors for Lyme disease, they are not the cause. Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease, so a bite from a deer tick may not necessarily result in you contracting this illness. However, it is still essential to remain cautious when dealing with these pests.
What Does A Deer Tick Bite Look Like?
It is important to understand the answer to 'what does a deer tick bite look like?' in order to better protect yourself from any negative effects that a tick bite might bring. Deer ticks will commonly find their hosts by waiting on the tips of grass or other foliage and using their senses to detect breath and body odor. When the tick determines a suitable host passing by, they will latch onto whichever limb passes closest to them and crawl up, looking for a place to bite.
The deer tick bite appears either reddish or pink on light skin or a more purple color on darker skin tones. A bull's-eye marking often surrounds the main bite point if the tick carries Lyme disease. However, you should know that not every deer tick bite will transmit Lyme disease, even if the tick is carrying it.
Symptoms After Tick Bite
Proper tick removal and early tick removal are essential for protecting yourself or your family members from this pest. The signs to watch for are very varied, but it is important to keep them in mind.
- Rash (either full body or in the shape of a bulls-eye around the bitten area that typically appears within three to fourteen days after a bite)
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
- Headache
Spotting a tick, and especially the deer tick, early and removing it quickly the right way is critical in minimizing any negative effects from this pest. The longer a tick stays in your skin, the greater the chance an illness is transmitted.
When coming back from areas potentially inhabited by ticks, make sure to check yourself and your family members for ticks that may be hiding. You should dry all of your clothing in a hot dryer and take a hot shower after a prolonged period outdoors to ensure that no tick hitchhikers are present.
Tick Protection And Control
To reduce tick populations around your property, you can apply proper products to your pets, keep your grass trimmed low, and place a gravel barrier between the lawn and your property. For efficient tick control and removal, professional assistance is the best way to go and can give you the peace of mind of being completely deer tick-free.