Ixodes scapularis, also called the deer tick or bear tick, is the most common type of tick found on humans and animals, especially deer. It's a long-bodied, soft-bodied tick found mostly in the north and eastern Midwest of the U.S. and also in southern Canada. Its most common host is the white-tailed deer.
The tick can enter the body through cuts in the skin, such as from wounds from animals, but also through insect bites and even wounds caused by insects and other animals. If you do get bitten by a tick, seek medical attention immediately, as it can lead to an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.
A tick's head and neck may be dark or brown with small black dots
Its body is about one inch long, while its leg spans from five to eight millimeters. The tick's mouthparts are small, round and whitish, covered with a small hook. It has one pair of spines along its back that it uses to anchor itself to its host.
Ticks are generally nocturnal. That's the reason why many tick prevention products contain ingredients that cause sleepiness or lightheadedness in humans or other animals when applied to the skin. They may also cause nausea and dizziness in people or animals if they are accidentally swallowed. However, some ticks (especially the larvae) are diurnal and feed on warm-blooded animals, including deer, rabbits, mice, voles, hamsters and other rodents.
If you suspect that you have a tick bite, immediately take a bucket of lukewarm water to your doctor or pharmacist and pour in a few drops of olive oil. This is particularly useful if you've been bitten in an area such as your underarms, around your groin, on the genital area, or in your armpit. Since the tick feeds off the blood of its host, you can try to remove any contaminated blood with alcohol or antiseptic wipes.
As soon as you feel better, apply some olive oil to the wound several times a day. The oil should help the mite shed its skin, and the oils will help prevent new blood vessels from growing into the wound and thus prevent it from healing. If the mite is inside your body, you can also apply diluted tea tree oil before taking a warm water bath.
To heal a tick that is already inside you, some remedies may require you to apply it to your hair twice a week
Others are for killing adults and tick larvae. Some can also be sold online with instructions for applying to the skin once a month. Before using one of these medicines, be sure to read your doctor's advice and follow directions carefully to avoid an allergic reaction.
You can also purchase a nymphal plaque repellent to keep ticks at bay. While these repellents do not have to contain chemical repellents, it is recommended that you read all label information and consult with your pharmacist to determine what repellents your product contains. If you cannot find them at your local pharmacy, there are more expensive options.
One way to keep ticks at bay is to use flea collars, although they can be very expensive and irritating. These are easy to use on a dog, cat or rabbit, as well as a person or animal, although some people prefer to use flea traps rather than collars. on a larger animal like a horse or a donkey. These are inexpensive and effective, but only when used correctly.
Flea traps are very simple to use and can be bought in pet shops, pet supply stores and online. The traps come with a simple collar and a trigger which releases a small amount of flea saliva into the air. While the animal is asleep, the trap attracts fleas and flea eggs, and larva. They may not be as effective as the collars, but they work for a few days. until the animal's regular dose of medication kicks in.
In order to maintain control over the problem, it's important to apply more than one flea collar. After your dog has had his or her flea collar, be sure to switch to a second collar around the next month to keep the same treatment in effect. Many of these traps also feature a second spray, which is also quite effective.
Ticks are a problem, and they're a nuisance, so don't get frustrated or discouraged if a tick bites you or a pet. Most are easily treated. As long as you follow the instructions on your deer tick treatments and do what you can to prevent your home or yard from being overrun by them, you can greatly reduce the risk of getting a tick infestation.