Ticks
Did you know?
Pest Facts
- Ticks are not insects but are actually classified as arachnids. They are relatives of spiders, scorpions, and mites.
- Ticks have four life stages and require a host to feed on for all but the egg stage.
- Ticks are not born infected with disease agents; they acquire them when feeding on other animals.
Physical Characteristics of Ticks:
Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
Unengorged adult blacklegged ticks feature small, flat bodies, typically less than 1/8 of an inch in length. With eight legs like their arachnid relatives, they are dark reddish-brown in color, darkening further after a blood meal.
Brown Dog Ticks
Adult brown dog ticks also possess flat, oval-shaped bodies around 1/8 of an inch in length, accompanied by eight legs. Their reddish-brown hue transitions to a gray-blue shade when engorged, with male ticks displaying tiny pits on their backs.
Lone Star Ticks
Adult lone star ticks exhibit flattened oval bodies, with females ranging from 1/6 to 1/4 of an inch in length and males being smaller. Initially reddish-brown, they turn slate gray when engorged.
Likely Habitats for Ticks
Ticks prefer hiding in grass and shrubs, commonly inhabiting transitional zones where forests meet fields or well-kept lawns border untended areas.
Brown dog ticks position themselves on shrubs, grass, and other vegetation, waiting for a passing host. When attached to dogs, they tend to target the ears and toes. Lone star ticks favor shaded environments and low-growing vegetation, often occupying transitional areas where woodlands intersect with lawns.
Assessment of Tick Risks
Blacklegged ticks are primary vectors of Lyme disease, along with other severe tick-borne illnesses. Brown dog ticks can transmit several tick-borne diseases to dogs, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lone star ticks are known carriers of tularemia and other dangerous diseases.
Identifying Tick Infestation Causes:
Properties with tall grass, abundant vegetation, or bordering wooded areas are prone to tick presence. Additionally, passing wildlife may introduce ticks onto your premises.
Effective Tick Control Strategies:
Ninefold Pest offers professional tick control services tailored to Lehi, Utah. Our comprehensive treatments encompass both interior and exterior areas, including fogging grass, bushes, and other tick-prone regions. Contact us today for more information on our tick solutions!