Why Is Tick Control Important?

Tick control is important for health. A tick bite can cause a number of serious tick-related diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, that can even be life-threatening.

Ticks feed on the blood of mammals (including humans), birds, and occasionally even reptiles by biting into their skin. Ticks are therefore called external parasites, or ectoparasites. To see what ticks look like, click on tick pictures.  

Ticks have a harpoon-like structure near the mouth area which allows them to dig into the host's skin while feeding. This structure, known as a hypostome, has barbs which anchor in the skin. That's why ticks are difficult to remove.

Tick bites usually look like mosquito bites. However, a tick bite can also look like bruise or a bullseye.

Ticks generally live in tall grass and shrubs, and they attach themselves to hosts as the host passes through. Ticks do not jump or fly (although they occasionally drop on an unsuspecting host from above), so the only way for a tick to attach itself to you is through direct physical contact.

Ticks are everywhere, but the most dangerous place in the United States when it comes to tick-borne diseases is the Northeast. Seventy percent of Lyme diseases cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in Northeastern states, although numbers are growing elsewhere, especially in the South.

The best way to protect yourself against ticks is to stay away from places where ticks are likely to live. Be especially careful in low-growing brushy vegetation. If you like to hike, be particularly watchful along the edge of woods or trails. Ticks also like to hide out in leaf litter.

If you can't, or don't want to avoid areas inhabited by ticks, here are some measures you can take to protect yourself.

Put on insect-repellent-containing DEET. Apply repellents to your clothing and skin. Be sure to spray your shoes and socks too.

Wear light-colored apparel because ticks will be easier to spot if one finds you.

Tuck your pant legs into your socks. Tuck shirt bottoms into pants.

Check yourself thoroughly for ticks after you've visited any areas that may be infested.

Carry a roll of Scotch tape in your pocket. Whenever you spot a tick, use the tape to trap it. Once it is sealed in tape, it can't escape.

Keep in mind, ticks must be attached to a host for more than 24 hours before they can transmit pathogens. So finding and removing all ticks right away can reduce the odds that you'll get sick.

There are a number of tick control products and procedures available.