Pest Blog   |   May 12, 2022

Tick Awareness Week 2022

tick habitat

Tick awareness week: What you need to know

Ticks are an especially difficult pest to eradicate. Mostly known for habitating in wooded areas and grassy fields, ticks have since spread out, dwelling near beaches and in suburban backyards – a trend that follows climate changes and a rise in housing developments.

Why are tick populations booming?

Like many pests, milder winters and earlier springs have allowed tick populations to flourish. They’ve managed to spread out and venture into new environments by hitchhiking on other animals (i.e., hosts) – aiding in their expansion across state lines and contributing to the transmission of tick-borne diseases in the U.S. such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 

Another trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing their spread, is the rise in housing developments. As their natural habitats are being replaced by yards or green spaces, ticks are given the opportunity to get closer to their hosts (people and pets), sometimes by way of displaced wildlife.

 

By following trends such as warmer winters, earlier springs, and housing demands, you can begin to gauge the effect they’ll have on tick activity and prepare by offering your customers earlier and extended tick treatments.

Top 4 tick species in the U.S.

There are approximately 850 species of ticks around the world. Over 90 of those species can be found across the United States. Thankfully not all ticks are known to bite and spread disease to humans, reducing the likelihood of being bitten, but not enough.

 

The most common species of disease-transmitting ticks in the U.S. are the American dog tick, blacklegged “deer” tick, brown dog tick, and lone star tick.

 

Familiarizing yourself with their defining characteristics, the diseases they may carry, and where they are typically found will help to ensure the treatments you are using are the most effective for the species of tick you are treating.

1. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Characteristics: The American dog tick has a brown body and reddish-brown legs. Females have an off-white shield, while adult males have a mottled looking shield. Increased risk of being bitten is during the spring and summer months. However, those may vary based on trending factors.

Diseases: This species of tick is the primary vector of the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is also known for transmitting Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasma, and tick paralysis.

Habitat: Its broad distribution spans east of the Rocky Mountains, the East and Gulf Coast, and along the Pacific Coast. American dog ticks are mostly found in tall grassy fields and low lying brush, including areas near paths and trails.

2. Blacklegged “deer” tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Characteristics: The deer tick is easily identified by its black shield, reddish-orange body, and dark black legs. The highest risk for being bitten by adult females and nymphs begins in early spring through the end of fall – when temperatures are above freezing.

Diseases: Known for transmitting Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rickettsia, deer tick virus, and Powassan virus disease.

Habitat: The distribution of blacklegged ticks has expanded in the north and are continuing to spread west. They can now be found throughout the eastern U.S., large areas in the north and central U.S., and the South.

3. Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

Characteristics: The brown dog tick is reddish brown with a narrow shape in comparison to other ticks.

Diseases: All life stages of this tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Habitat: As their name would suggest, dogs are the primary host for the brown dog tick. However, they will feed on humans and other mammals. This species of tick has spread worldwide and can be found in every U.S. state. Their primary habitat is in homes or kennels where there is easy access to their host of choice – dogs.

4. Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

Characteristics: Located on the adult female is perhaps the most defining feature – the white dot or “lone star” – which can easily be seen against its reddish-brown body.

Diseases: This species can transmit Ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, tularemia, and STARI. Its bite is also known for causing an allergic reaction to red meat known as “alpha-gal.”

Habitat: The lone star tick is widely distributed across the southeastern and eastern United States. Adult females and nymphs are aggressive biters. The greatest risk of being bitten is in early spring through late fall. Depending on the weather, the lone star tick season could begin as early as April and last as late as November.

Target: Your tick control experts

When a customer requests tick control, they are often calling after ticks have become active. Take the time to educate customers on tick control early in the year. Offer your customers peace of mind and the assurance that tick prevention and treatments can work, despite environmental factors.

 

Target Specialty Products provides over 80 years of industry experience and insight for controlling pest populations. If you need help selecting the most effective products to use for eliminating and preventing ticks, please contact us.

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