Wood Ticks
What Are Wood Ticks?
Wood ticks, though many species are called directly by this name, make up a generalized family of dark colored arachnids who hide in wait for warm bodies on which to feed and deposit offspring. Wood ticks are generally found in densely concentrated fields, brush, and swampy areas. There are over 90 recognized species of ticks that are indigenes to the North American continent, and the majority of them are merely a bother, but not a health risk. The remainder of this number, however, is capable of, and renowned for, spreading extreme and sometimes fatal diseases. It can be difficult to differentiate between a “good” tick and a “bad” one, but there is a general rule that you can apply to your sighting experiences. If the tick is large, you most likely have nothing to worry about. If you have a hard time seeing or identifying the tiny arachnid, you may want to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
As some wood ticks are capable of passing deadly or sickening pathogens and bacteria from one host to another, it is difficult to determine where the initial disease comes from. As sort of a “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” question, scientists recommend that you do your utmost to protect against and prevent any tick infestation until new advancements are reached in this study. To detect and avoid wood ticks in your home, yard, and on your pets and persons, there are a few great tips and products available to the consumer today. These include nets, pesticides, skin applications, and clothing and inspection tips.
If there is a path through the woods or fields where you wish to roam, try to stay on it. Though the more mature wood ticks may be waiting on the edge for a warm body to brush by, your chances of being landed by this pesky parasite are far less if you keep your feet planted in the middle. Wearing light colored clothing will not deter the arachnids, but they will be much easier to see if your clothes are lighter in color than they are. Also, your light colored clothing should be tight fitting and tucked well together. This enables you more time to detect the ticks before they can get to your skin.
Chemical pesticides are almost a must for those who wish to venture and hike during the spring and early summer seasons, when feeding and reproductive frenzies are at their peak. DEET is a common pesticide which protects the skin and can be applied directly to the body. For stronger protection, such as the chemical permethrin, you can apply to your clothing only. For your animals, speak with your veterinarian about a prescription or over the counter pest control product, and inspect him regularly for signs of infestation.