it’s winter but Don’t Let those “Tick checks” slide!

     During the winter months in the coastal Carolinas, temperatures often fluctuate between what I consider flip flop and duck boot weather. Yet even on our colder days, ticks can still be found actively searching for hosts (that’s us)! In fact the Lyme disease vectoring black-legged tick, or deer tick as it is commonly called, is not killed by freezing temperatures and is in fact quite active above 35ºF. Already this winter I have pulled several off the kids and dog. Keep up those tick checks, bottle – label with the date – and toss in the freezer any you remove and continue reading below to learn more about the ticks commonly found in our area.

     Four tick species are endemic to North Carolina: the lone Star tick, black-legged tick (commonly known as the deer tick), American dog tick, and brown dog tick.  Ticks undergo 4 life stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult. With the exception of the egg stage, all forms must take a blood meal to pass onto the next and complete development.  Check out the CDC’s tick life cycle page here. Host preference will differ among species and even within stages of the same species (Table 1).  Ever wonder how such a small thing like a tick is able to hitch a ride so effectively? Many tick species employ a host-seeking behavior called “questing”.  In this ambush-like process, the tick will scamper up vegetation such as weeds and tall grass and outstretch its forelegs once proper cues are received. These cues may include vibrations, host-specific odors (like those from sweat), carbon dioxide, heat and many others.  As the host passes the tick latches on with its forelegs quickly and proceeds to a feeding site.  The tick then inserts its mouth parts, which are serrated much like a steak knife, into the host and simultaneously secretes a cement-like fluid which helps anchor it to the skin. These two factors explain why it is quite difficult to remove a tick with its head still entact!  The tick feeds until engorged and then drops off the host.  In addition to the cement-like fluid, tick saliva also contains proteins that aid in feeding and can on occasion cause severe allergies and even paralysis.

     Ticks are capable of carrying and transmitting (also called vectoring) disease organisms that cause Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), and Ehrlichiosis.  Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria and vectored by lone star and black-legged ticks.  Progressive symptoms of Lyme Disease include a bulls-eye rash surrounding the bite and flu-like symptoms (within 1-2 weeks), neurological and cardiac problems, and arthritis.  Some symptoms may manifest or persist years after the initial tick bite! Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by a pathogen called a Rickettsia and vectored by the American dog tick.  Fever, nausea, muscle ache, joint pain and headaches are symptoms of RMSF that become apparent usually within a week.  A rash of small pink dots on the hands and feet develop in most patients and may spread to cover the entire body. This is a VERY IMPORTANT sign that points to infection by RMSF.  Death can occur from RMSF so timely treatment is essential.  Erlichia bacteria are the causal agents of Erlichiosis, a disease similar to RMSF with symptoms including fever, head and muscle aches, as well as joint pain.  Erlichia bacteria are transmitted by the lone star tick and black-legged tick.

Table 1

If heading out to this weekend to an area that may be tick infested, be sure to apply a commercial repellent and check your body and clothing after your outdoor activities.   Also be sure your canine pals are properly treated and inspect them frequently as well.  If a tick is found, be sure to remove it as well as its mouth parts using your finger or tweezers (never cleaning fluids or a lit match!!!).  Always place the tick in a container (vial of alcohol preferably) and mark the date on your calendar.  This will help a doctor correctly diagnose any disease you may have been exposed to if symptoms arise. Remember most symptoms manifest with 7-14 days after the tick bite.  Ticks can be managed in high risk areas by frequent mowing of vegetation to make habitat unsuitable.  Pesticides may also be applied; be sure granular formulations are properly watered in and liquid treatments provide uniform coverage down to the soil surface.  Check the North Carolina Ag Chemicals Manual for pesticide recommendations concerning tick management.  If you are outside of NC or would like more information, please check with your local extension agent!

For more information on ticks in North Carolina check here

For national information on ticks please see the CDC website here

Be sure to check out more of Alex Wild’s photography here