Enter the content which will be displayed in sticky bar
Call PEST DEFENSE SOLUTIONS ALBUQUERQUE:
(505) 705-1574
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Pest Control Services
    • Residential Services
  • Pests
  • Bug Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Pest Control Services
    • Residential Services
  • Pests
  • Bug Blog
  • Contact Us

Blog

adminBug BlogFebruary 12, 201410 Likes

Ticks: Anatomy, Behavior, Disease, Prevention

 

Ticks Before and After Feeding

Ticks before and after feeding.

Ticks are parasites or small arachnids found throughout the world. Most ticks are found in warm, humid climates, especially the tropics or desert regions like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Texas. Ticks live in these climates because when they undergo metamorphosis, the process requires a certain amount of moisture. Frigid temperatures impede the developmental process of the tick life cycle. Thus, the ideal tick ecosystem encompasses a host species and humidity of some capacity.

Anatomy

A tick’s head, thorax, and abdomen are fused together into one body region. This trait differs ticks from other arachnids such as spiders, mites, and scorpions. Most arachnid bodies’ have three separate regions for their head, thorax, and abdomen.  Another trait that separates ticks from other arachnids includes the absence of an antennae and possessing four pairs of legs.

Ticks Anatomy

Life cycle of ticks.

 

Diet and Feeding

Ticks feed on hosts and live on a diet of blood also known as a process called hematophagy. Most ticks feed on a wide range of hosts such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As ticks feed, they release chemicals that prevent blood from clotting. Their mouths are small and oftentimes the host is unaware they have been bitten. Depending upon the type and life stage of the tick, the preparation for feeding may take between ten minutes or two hours. Once the tick has located a feeding spot (ears, hairline, armpits etc). the tick grasps the skin, cuts into the surface, and buries its head into the blood. Almost immediately throughout a feeding, females often swell to a larger size than males.

 

Diseases

Ticks carry viruses, bacteria, rickettsiae, and protozoa that causes paralysis. The most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease. Symptoms of the disease include a distinctive skin rash, chills, fever, fatigue, head, joint and muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Neurological symptoms may occur as well.  Lyme diease is a challenge to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.  Other tick-borne diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, relapsing fever, tularemia, and many others.

 

Getting Rid of Ticks:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp a tick and detach from skin
  • Disinfect bite area
  • Tuck pants into socks or boots to prevent crawling up pant legs
  • Shower after returning from the outdoors
  • Perform daily tick checks on pets and children
  • Call a professional

 

At Pest Defense Solutions, our staff is happy to help you with ticks or other pest problems. We have trained professionals to help you rid your home or office of ticks so you can get back to your busy life with peace of mind.  Contact us today for more information!

 

 

Tags: Behavior, Diseases, Pest Defense Solutions, Prevention, Ticks

Share This Post!

  • Google+
  • Facebook

You might also like

  • How to Battle Springtime Pests and Allergies - February 19, 2015
  • Deck the Halls with Rodent Droppings - December 18, 2014
  • Fall and Winter Pest Free Prepration for the Holidays - December 5, 2014
  • The Return of Real-Life Goblins this Halloween - October 23, 2014

Ants: Characteristics & Prevention Tips

Angie’s List Super Service Award

Archives

  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012

Recent Posts

  • Black Widow Spiders on the Move in El Paso Texas
  • Commercial Exterminators to Help With Rodent Control
  • Spider Control – Spider Pest Control Service Best in the Business
  • Bed Bug Extermination – Not as Easy to Kill as Other Insects
  • Pest Control Service Companies Seeing Increase of Calls to Residential Homes

Albuquerque Mailing Address

Pest Defense Solutions Albuquerque NM
9670 Eagle Ranch Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87114


(505) 899-4808

info@pestdefensesolutions.com

Cities We Serve

Rio Rancho, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Moriarty, NM
Edgewood, NM
Tijeras, NM

Custom Menu

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Residential Pest Control Services Albuquerque NM
  • Pest Control Services
  • About Us

ABOUT PEST DEFENSE SOLUTIONS ALBUQUERQUE

Pest Defense Solutions offers eco-friendly pest control in albuquerque using environmentally-safe treatments that keep your surroundings pest-free. Pest Defense Solutions is located in Albuquerque NM, and you can call them for a free inspection at (505) 899-4808
© 2016 Copyright All Rights Reserved - Pest Defense Solutions | Resources
Pest Defense Solutions is rated 5 stars on Google based on 18 reviews