How to recognize a tick at home? - briefly
«A tick is a small, oval parasite that is brown or reddish when unfed and becomes a larger, rounder, engorged shape after feeding». «Identification relies on the presence of a hard scutum on the dorsal surface, eight visible legs, and a distinct mouthpart projecting from the front of the body».
How to recognize a tick at home? - in detail
Ticks are small arachnids, typically 2–5 mm in length when unfed and up to 10 mm after feeding. The body consists of two distinct sections: the anterior capitulum, which houses the mouthparts, and the posterior idiosoma covered by a hard dorsal shield (scutum) in adult females. Color varies from reddish‑brown to dark brown, sometimes appearing glossy when engorged.
Inspection should begin immediately after returning from wooded or grassy areas. Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed bag to prevent escape. Use a bright light source and, if available, a magnifying glass. Systematically examine the following zones: scalp, behind ears, neck, armpits, groin, behind knees, and the waistline. Pets require similar scrutiny, focusing on ears, neck, and between toes.
Key characteristics that differentiate ticks from other arthropods:
- Oval, flattened body shape; not segmented like insects.
- Presence of eight legs in all life stages (larvae have six, but appear distinctly different).
- Visible capitulum with barbed hypostome for attachment.
- Scutum, a shield‑like plate, often darker than surrounding cuticle.
- Engorged individuals appear balloon‑like, with a swollen abdomen.
When a suspected specimen is found, confirm identification by:
- Observing the mouthparts protruding forward from the front.
- Noting the attachment of the hypostome into the host’s skin.
- Checking for a clear demarcation between the scutum and the surrounding cuticle.
If uncertainty remains, compare the specimen with reference images from reputable health agencies. Accurate recognition enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.