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Ticks are parasitic spiders that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and frogs, among other animals. Trees and bushes are good places for ticks to hide, and they like to attach themselves to people and animals that brush against them.
Ticks and their young can spread many dangerous diseases. They can also sometimes cause allergens and anemia.
What is a nymph?
Pests go through either a simple or complex metamorphosis to complete their life cycle. In a complex transformation, an insect changes from an egg to a larva (also called a caterpillar), to a pupa, and finally to an adult.
When an insect hatches, it looks like a smaller version of its adult self. It then goes through a series of molts to become fully grown.
Ticks change species. They are called “larvae” when they hatch, but they do not look like worms. They look like small ticks. They are about the size of a poppy seed and have six legs. They quickly try to attach themselves to any living thing that will give them blood. They detach and turn into an eight-legged nymph once they are full. Nymphs are a little smaller than adult ticks, but they still look like ticks and can spread disease.
If you find ticks in your home, you should carefully remove them and get rid of them properly. If they keep coming back, you may want to call a professional pest control service.
WARNING
Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia are just a few of the dangerous diseases that ticks can transmit. Many tick control solutions use pesticides, which can harm people and pets if not used properly. If you have had problems with ticks in your home on more than one occasion, take steps to make your home less attractive to ticks, and consider calling a professional pest control service for long-term help.
What Do Ticks Look Like?
Ticks are small spider-like insects that live in woods and fields. They are most common in spring and summer, but are still active in autumn. These insects do not fly and usually live on animals, but can also attach themselves to people.
Ticks are brown or black and have small bumps all over their bodies. They have small heads with mouths designed to cut the skin so they can feed on blood. Their legs are long and thin. Very small caterpillars have only six legs, while adults and nymphs have eight. Once they have fed on blood, ticks can “engorge,” which means they grow larger. During this time, they can be as big as a pea.
If you think you have found a tick indoors, be careful and make sure you are not dealing with bed bugs or carpet beetles. If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, you should consult a doctor for advice on how to get rid of it and what treatments are available.
Some types of ticks can enter inside, but most people think of ticks as external animals. Some of them spread disease, but not all do. These ticks include:
The deer tick is the most well-known tick that spreads Lyme disease. It is very small and difficult to spot. The name “deer tick” is a bit old-fashioned, though, since this tick is not usually found on deer. Rats and mice are what they are.
American dog tick: This tick can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever through pets or clothing.
Brown Dog Tick: This tick is a common household pest that wants to stick around for a long time. It is not known to spread disease, but if allowed to thrive in your home, it can cause anemia in your pets.
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