Tiny Insects with a D3adly Risk. Everything You Need to Know to Recognize Them, Avoid Bites, and Protect Your Health

Ticks are tiny yet resilient parasites capable of transmitting serious diseases to humans and animals. Their ability to attach to skin and feed on blood often goes unnoticed, making them a hidden threat. Diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis can develop if tick bites are not addressed promptly.

Characteristics and Habitat of Ticks

Ticks are oval-shaped arachnids with short legs that help them cling to hosts. Their color ranges from light brown to black, and although they are usually the size of a sesame seed, they can swell significantly after feeding.

Ticks are commonly found in:

• Wooded areas and rural trails

• Tall or overgrown grass

• Piles of dry leaves

• Zones frequented by wild or domestic animals

Risks to Human and Animal Health

A tick bite can do more than cause mild irritation or redness. Many ticks carry pathogens that lead to serious health problems if untreated:

• Lyme disease: Causes fever, fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues

• Spotted fever: Leads to high fever, rash, and circulatory complications

• Anaplasmosis and babesiosis: Can severely impact the immune system

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Preventing tick bites is key to avoiding disease:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and tuck pants into socks when in tall vegetation

• Use repellents containing DEET or icaridin on skin and clothing

• Carefully check your body, scalp, and clothing after outdoor activities

• Brush and inspect pets before they enter your home

• Keep gardens tidy, trim grass, and remove leaf or weed accumulations

What to Do If a Tick Bites

If you find a tick attached to your skin:

• Use fine-tipped forceps to grasp it as close to the skin as possible

• Remove it with a steady, straight pull, avoiding crushing the tick

• Clean the area with soap and water and apply a disinfectant

• Monitor your health for the next few weeks and seek medical care if fever, rash, or muscle pain develops

Recognizing the risks and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the danger ticks pose to both humans and pets.