| TICKS AT A GLANCE NAME: Tick, a member of
Arachnida class of pests which also includes spiders and spider mites.
CHARACTERISTICS: Oval leathery, reddish brown to dark brown. Range in size from 1/16 to
1/8 inch before feeding; engorged ticks are round, about 1/2 inch in diameter and blue to
olive-gray.
PARTS ATTACKED: Likes pet's ears, neck and between toes. Can be found crawling anywhere
on human body.
PRECAUTIONS: If you're going deep into the woods, you may want to wear long-sleeved
shirts buttoned at neck and wrists. Wear pants tucked inside long socks inside high boots.
Wrap tape around top of stocking to eliminate holes where ticks can enter. Tick repellent
applied to cuffs of shirt sleeves and on collar will help; don't place tick repellent on
skin because severe reactions can result.
REMOVAL: Grasp adult ticks firmly with forceps or tweezers, and twist and pull at same
time. This breaks bond that holds their mouth parts in place. Remove small ticks same way.
Avoid violently tugging which may cause the mouth parts to break off inside and cause an
infection. Wash area with soap and water.
DAMAGE: If wound becomes infected or illness occurs, contact a doctor or veterinarian
immediately. |
