Ticks

Ticks are small arthropods in the order Parasitiformes. Along with mites, they constitute the subclass Acari. Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks are vectors of a number of diseases that affect both humans and other animals.

Biology and behavior

Despite their poor reputation among human communities, ticks may play an ecological role by ailing in the control of animal population numbers and the prevention of overgrazing.

Life cycle

Ticks have four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The entire life cycle from egg to egg can take from 2 months to 2 years, depending on the species.

Disease transmission

Ticks are implicated in the transmission of a number of infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Some human diseases of notable mention include Lyme disease, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, African tick bite fever, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, tularemia, tick-borne relapsing fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick-borne meningoencephalitis, as well as bovine anaplasmosis.

Prevention and removal

Prevention involves avoiding known tick habitats during the times of year when ticks are most active. Removal of ticks is best done with fine-tipped tweezers or specially designed tick removal tools.

See also

• Lyme disease
• Tick-borne disease
• Tick paralysis

External links

• CDC - Ticks - United States Environmental Protection Agency

Ticks Resources
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