What does a tick look like and what should be done? - briefly
Ticks are tiny, dark, oval arachnids roughly the size of a grain of rice when unfed, swelling to a reddish, balloon‑like shape after a blood meal. Remove them promptly with fine‑point tweezers, pulling straight out near the skin, then disinfect the site and watch for any illness signs.
What does a tick look like and what should be done? - in detail
Ticks are small arachnids, typically oval‑shaped and dorsoventrally flattened. Adult females range from 3 mm (unengorged) to 12 mm (engorged), while males are slightly smaller. Color varies from reddish‑brown to dark brown, often with a scutum—a hardened shield—on the dorsal surface of males and partially on females. Legs are six in number, each ending in a claw that aids attachment to hosts.
The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Larvae, called seed ticks, measure about 0.5 mm and lack a scutum. Nymphs are 1–2 mm, resemble adults but remain unengorged. Each stage requires a blood meal before molting to the next stage.
Ticks inhabit humid environments such as tall grasses, leaf litter, and brush. They climb vegetation and wait (quest) for a passing host. Contact with humans usually occurs on exposed skin—especially ankles, groin, armpits, and scalp.
When a tick is found attached to skin, follow these steps:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers.
- Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the body straight out; avoid twisting or crushing.
- Disinfect the bite area with alcohol or iodine.
- Place the removed tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Post‑removal care includes:
- Washing the bite site with soap and water.
- Monitoring the area for rash, redness, or a expanding red ring (erythema migrans) over the next 30 days.
- Consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms develop or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
Preventive actions reduce exposure:
- Wear long sleeves and trousers; tuck pants into socks.
- Apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to skin and clothing.
- Perform full‑body tick checks after outdoor activities, showering promptly to wash off unattached ticks.
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved tick control products.
Accurate identification and prompt, proper removal are critical for minimizing the risk of tick‑borne diseases.