The Invasive Tick You Need To Watch Out For In Your Own Yard

Ticks suck, literally. The tiny, creepy, parasitic arachnids feed on the blood of humans and other animals, and although the bites are typically painless, they can be dangerous. Diseases spread through tick bites are in the tens of thousands each year, and Lyme disease, an infection that can lead to serious damage to nerves and more, is the most common tick-borne disease. If you are a person who often works outdoors or simply enjoys spending time outside, it is important to know all about the ticks in your area. You should know the different species of ticks and some ways to protect yourself and your home from ticks. Once you do know, you also need to stay updated on any changes, such as the new appearance of a species of ticks in an area, as is happening in Illinois and nearby states with the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis).

Asian longhorned ticks were exclusively found in the eastern hemisphere until 2017. Since then, they have been found in states along the eastern coast of the United States and have been moving further west. These ticks have been found in 17 states so far, though the potential range they can inhabit is much larger and covers most of eastern North America. If you live in an area near the East Coast or the Midwest, it may be time to learn how to identify this tick and start looking for it in your yard as well as what to do if you find one on yourself or your animals.

Invasive species can harm the environment by being disruptive, and Asian longhorned ticks have the potential to do so quickly. Adaptability to the eastern United States climate and the capacity to lay fertilized eggs without a male tick mean that Asian longhorned ticks can reproduce and grow their population rapidly, producing a dramatic environmental change. This is why it may be time to study the complete home guide for taking care of a tick infestation. In addition to worries about their invasive nature, it is also important to know what diseases these ticks can carry. While they are not known to spread Lyme disease, they are associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, Powassan virus, and Theileria orientalis. To keep you and your pets safe, you need to know how to identify this species and what to do if you do find one.

Asian longhorned ticks are reddish-brown in color, and they measure between about .1 inches long and the size of a pea, depending on if they have fed. Unfortunately, this tiny size makes them difficult to identify. They do not have any distinctive markings or colors, but this can actually help you identify them, since most native species of ticks in the United States do have notable markings. Asian longhorned ticks are often found in grassy or wooded areas, but you are probably more likely to find a tick on yourself or an animal than out in the grass. To check for them, gently but thoroughly feel the skin for bumps. Double-check the hard-to-reach areas, such as between toes, behind ears, and more.

If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, the first thing to do is safely remove it as soon as possible. With clean tweezers, grab the tick as close as possible to the skin. Then, pull it away slowly and steadily without twisting. In the event you don't have tweezers or you are worried about not being able to remove the tick cleanly, there is another method to try. For this method, you wet the end of a Q-tip and use it to gently spin the tick around on the skin. Eventually, the tick should leave the skin on its own, and you will be able to collect it. If you suspect it may be the Asian longhorned tick, then you should place it in a container with rubbing alcohol. This will allow you to turn it in to your local health department, veterinarian, or doctor if necessary. 

When you go outside in an area with ticks, no matter which species, be sure to wear protective clothing, including a hat, long sleeves, and long pants. Also, it is prudent to wear bug spray that is effective for repelling ticks. The best options contain DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. While not as effective as direct protection, you can try tricks, such as growing plants that keep ticks out of the yard. Whatever you decide to do, taking some kind of preventative step is important.