What are seed ticks and are they out right now?
Posted by Mosquito Squad
December 20, 2023
You might have heard about nymph ticks but what are seed ticks? Are they the same thing as a tick nymph?
Seed ticks are small like nymphs, but they are younger than nymph ticks. Seed ticks are in their larval stage, and they are on the move in the summer months – mainly in July, August, and September. Seed ticks are searching for their very first blood meal. They could get it from you, your family member, or your pet. They lie in wait like larger ticks, patiently waiting for a blood host. It is not uncommon for many of these ticks to end up on your body or that of your pet if you encounter a nesting area.
Do seed ticks transmit tick-borne diseases?
Black-legged nymph ticks are the predominant spreaders of Lyme disease. Since seed ticks have not yet taken their first blood meal, they are not carriers of diseases. However, due to their infinitesimally small size, they can be very difficult to remove. If they are fully attached to your skin, removing them can often lead to mouth parts being left behind. There is a small chance of bacterial infection at the tick bite site. If you have removed these tiny ticks from your skin, it is advisable to keep your eye on the affected area to watch out for signs of secondary infection.
How do you remove seed ticks from your skin?
Use a pair of clean, fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tiny seed tick head and pull up with even pressure. After removed, wash the bite area with warm soapy water and apply a bit of rubbing alcohol. Never attempt to crush ticks of any size if they are embedded in your skin. Never use alcohol, oil, or open flame to attempt tick removal.
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