TICKS IN REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO – Lone Star Tick
Lone Star Tick
(Ambylomma americanum)
Lone Star Tick Characteristics
The Lone star tick goes by many names, such as the northeastern water tick and the turkey tick. An adult lone star tick is brown to reddish-brown in color with a white, star shaped spot on its back, which is where the name comes from. Adults are about 1/8 inch long and have aggressive host-seeking behavior, actively searching for hosts by climbing tall grass or vegetation.
What Are Some Lone Star Tick Behaviors?
Lone Star Ticks are known for their aggressive host-seeking behavior, which means that they actively search for hosts, such as humans, pets, and wildlife, to feed on. When they find a suitable host, they quickly attach and begin feeding, often for several days.
Are Lone Star Ticks Dangerous?
During this time, they can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, to their hosts. Some people who have been bitten by a Lone Star Tick may also develop an allergy to red meat, a condition known as alpha-gal syndrome. Overall, Lone Star Ticks are a potential health concern and it is important to take precautions to prevent tick bites when spending time in tick-infested areas.
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Ticks In Reynoldsburg, Ohio – American Dog Tick
American Dog Tick
(Dermacentor variabilis)
Characteristics of an American Dog Tick
The American Dog Tick, also known as the Wood Tick, is one of the three most common ticks in the Reynoldsburg, OH area. They are commonly miscategorized as being insects when they are in fact part of the Arachnid family, with spiders and scorpions. Typically a brown to reddish brown color with grayish markings on their backs, they are 3.6-5mm long unfed, and the females can be up to 15mm long fully engorged.
American Dog Tick Behaviors
Typically active during warmer months, the American Dog Tick can be found in tall grass and wooded areas looking for a small to medium-sized mammal to feed on, such as rodents, dogs, cats, and humans. They carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia, which are spread when they attach themselves and feed on a host.
The feeding process of a female American Dog Tick can last up to 14 days until they drop off in order to digest the blood meal and develop an egg clutch. When she is ready to lay her eggs, she can lay anywhere from 4,000-6,500 eggs in tall grass or leaf litter in order to keep the eggs safe. After about 26 days, those eggs will hatch into Larvae and begin their cycle of growing into a Nymph and then Adult stages.
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TICKS IN REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO – Blacklegged TICK
Blacklegged Tick
(Ixodes scapularis)
Characteristics of Blacklegged Ticks
The Blacklegged Tick, also known as the Deer Tick, is a small arachnid that is commonly found in wooded areas in the Reynoldsburg, OH area. It is believed to be the most common of the 3 main ticks dealt with in Ohio. One of the most notable characteristics of the blacklegged tick is its size; adult ticks are typically less than 5 mm in length, making them difficult to spot on the skin. They have a reddish-brown body with dark legs and a dark brown scutum, or shield, on their back.
Blacklegged Ticks Behaviors
Adult Blacklegged Ticks typically feed on the blood of large mammals, such as deer, while nymphs and larvae feed on the blood of small mammals, such as mice. When a tick feeds, it inserts its mouthparts into the skin and begins to suck blood, which can take several days. During this time, it is possible for the tick to transmit disease-causing pathogens to its host.
Dangers Of Blacklegged Ticks
The Blacklegged Tick is known to transmit several serious diseases, including Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. These diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, joint pain, and in some cases, serious neurological problems.
It’s important to take precautions when in wooded areas to avoid tick bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you do find a tick on your skin, it is important to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
