What does a tick look like at home? - briefly
A tick is a minute, oval arachnid, usually 2–5 mm long, with a flat, reddish‑brown body that swells into a balloon‑like shape after feeding. It has no wings and short legs, giving it a smooth, compact appearance.
What does a tick look like at home? - in detail
A tick encountered inside a residence presents a distinct set of visual cues that separate it from other small arthropods. The body comprises two main sections: the anterior capitulum (mouthparts) and the posterior idiosoma (main body). The capitulum includes the palps and the hypostome, which appears as a short, tapering tube used for anchoring to the host. The idiosoma is oval, slightly flattened laterally, and covered by a protective cuticle.
Key characteristics:
- Size: unfed larvae measure 0.5–1 mm, nymphs 1.5–2 mm, adult females 3–5 mm when flat, expanding to 8–12 mm after a blood meal; adult males remain 2–3 mm.
- Color: unfed stages are pale, often reddish‑brown or amber; engorged females turn deep reddish‑brown to black, while males retain a lighter hue.
- Surface texture: the cuticle is smooth on unfed specimens, developing a wrinkled, balloon‑like appearance as the tick fills with blood.
- Legs: eight legs, each ending in small claws; legs are short in larvae (four pairs) and longer in nymphs and adults (four pairs), giving a “spider‑like” silhouette.
- Scutum: adult females lack a hard dorsal shield, allowing expansion; adult males possess a small, shield‑shaped scutum that remains visible regardless of engorgement.
Typical indoor locations include cracks in baseboards, under furniture, pet bedding, and damp areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. Ticks often cling to fabric fibers, hair, or skin, remaining motionless until they detect a host’s heat or carbon dioxide.
Recognizing these morphological details enables rapid identification and prompt removal, reducing the risk of disease transmission within the home environment.