What are seed ticks and are they out right now?

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.

Fight against all tick types, in all stages of life with Austin tick control.

Mosquito Squad of Greater Austin offers guaranteed tick control for your property to fight against ticks in any stage of life. Our effective tick control formulas and methodology will fortify your yard to help keep your whole family protected. Both our EPA-registered and natural tick control formulas provide a protective barrier for weeks between treatments. In the fall and winter months, our tick tube program will keep you further protected from ticks that infiltrate your private outdoor spaces in the springtime. That’s 365 days of tick protection for a safer, happier home and family!

Trust Mosquito Squad, your tried and trusted Austin tick control company. Contact us today at (512) 456-9954.

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