How Long Does It Take for a Tick to Attach?
Posted by Mosquito Squad
April 1, 2025
Ticks use their mouthparts to pierce the skin, inserting a barbed projection, called a hypostome, through which they hope to feed on their host’s blood for a few days. And while this process might sound like a painful experience, ticks are very successful obtaining attachment, where hosts are none the wiser. Tiny nymph ticks are difficult to detect until they have become engorged, resulting in purported hundreds of thousands of Lyme disease cases in the U.S. annually. However, a mere fraction of that number is officially reported to the CDC each year.
More Reasons to Invest in Florence Tick Control
Lyme disease should be top-of-mind in the Florence Mass area during the typical tick season, but Lyme disease is not the only concern. Black-legged ticks (commonly called deer ticks) can transmit quite a few illnesses, including babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and relapsing fever. Powassan , a viral infection that is also transmitted by black-legged ticks, though rare, is potentially fatal.
Those infected with Powassan can develop encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. This dangerous tick-borne illness has a 10% mortality rate. Scarier still, is that it takes only 15 minutes of tick attachment to transmit the virus, whereas Lyme disease requires 24 to 36, or even 48 hours of attachment.
It is highly recommended that Florence residents practice tick control and protection measures both away from home and at home. Mosquito Squad of Springfield offers proactive, season-long tick protection in Florence and surrounding areas. Yard treatments for ticks should be deployed in spring and summer , and even up to early autumn if warm weather persists.
More Than Just Black-Legged Ticks in Massachusetts
Black-legged ticks are the predominant variety here in Massachusetts, but they are not the only potentially dangerous ticks. Parts of Massachusetts have reported the Lone Star tick , which was found in the southern United States until recent years. American dog ticks can also be found in Massachusetts. These tick species come with their own warnings. The Lone Star tick is responsible for transmitting alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially lifelong allergy to red meat proteins, as well as others. Dog ticks prefer dogs, but they will feed on humans too. These nasty bloodsuckers transmit the likes of tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Search for tick control near me and contact Mosquito Squad!
Ready to discuss your pest control needs? Mosquito Squad of Springfield can help you deter and control outdoor pests! Trust us for proven and effective tick control . Contact us at (413) 418-3359 or fill out our online form for a complimentary pest control assessment and quote.
