Editor's note: spring has officially sprung and with this season of rebirth comes the resurgence of ticks. If you have pets, chances are have noticed the dreaded tick (or 2 or 3) either lying on their fur or embedded in their skin. Thanks to Envirocare for sharing this information about identifying deer ticks.
Identification
Connecticut is located in one of the most dense areas of the country for the blacklegged tick or deer tick. Deer ticks are hard shelled ranging in size from 1/16” -1/8”. They have easily viewable mouthparts when looked at from above. The body is predominately flat. The females body has the ability to stretch when engorged by the blood of its host. When engorged they appear to be grayish in color.
Biology
Deer tick biology is complicated and may take up to 2 years
When speaking with customers most are unaware that deer ticks survive during the fall and winter seasons. During this period of time adults can be found on the nether regions of deer as well as behind and around the ear areas. The adult then detaches itself in early spring and lays eggs in a sheltered area. The life cycle form this point takes approximately 60-100 days. During the months of June through September young ticks seek out hosts such as the white footed deer mouse and other small rodents. During this stage is when the Lyme virus is picked up from the mosue. The young ticks or nymphs then move to another stage that lasts for a short period and feeding is primary done on larger animals like opossums and squirrels. These nymphs are also found during April through August of the following season. Nymphs typically feed again on their main food source which is deer. This entire cycle can take up to a 2 year period.
Ticks in the adult stage are available for reproduction and then die.
Deer Tick Resting Locations
Deer ticks rest in the yard perimeter where well manicured grass changes to the woods perimeter. They prefer shady areas. Deer ticks are also found in areas such as woodpiles, stonewalls, animal burrows as well as bushes and trees.
When control of deer ticks is needed it’s best to concentrate on the areas ticks frequent. An application of a registered pesticide or organic tick control product can be used, both procedures can be highly effective if applied properly.
Multiple applications are usually required due to the complex nature of their biology and the high degree of re-infestation. In Connecticut, tick control takes place from roughly March-Nov depending on weather conditions.
Application of a pesticide to areas such as sunny lawn areas and the like are not warranted as it is highly unlikely activity will be found in these areas.
Envirocare Pest Control provides the best strategies for the control of ticks. Our methods are among the most thorough tick control measures in Connecticut.
If you have ticks and need help, call Envirocare Pest Control at 1-888-879-6481.
*The author of this post is the owner of Envirocare Pest Control. Learn how you can save $25 on your first Envirocare tick service by clicking here.
The 10th Annual Lyme Disease Seminar will take place on May 19 at West Conn. Experts in patient care, tick-control, testing and new product development will be on hand in one location.Learn more here.