Blood-feeding arachnids

Ticks

Ixodida

Eight-legged external parasites that feed on people, pets, livestock and wildlife.

Included in this category

American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Photo: André Karwath · Source · CC BY-SA 2.5

Unfed ticks are small and flattened with eight legs as nymphs and adults. Females may become greatly enlarged after feeding.

Ticks wait on vegetation or around animal resting sites and attach when a host passes. Brown dog ticks can complete their cycle indoors.

Blood from vertebrate hosts at larval, nymphal and adult stages.

After feeding, adult females lay large batches of eggs. Development proceeds from six-legged larva to nymph and adult.

Ticks attached to people or animals, crawling near pet bedding, and repeated findings after time outdoors.

Ticks can cause irritation and transmit pathogens. Medical or veterinary advice is appropriate after concerning exposure.

Prevention

Confirm the organism before selecting control measures

Remove food, water and shelter where practical

Seal or manage access points and harbourage

Use monitoring and a site-specific IPM programme

Professional support

Arrange a site-specific assessment with PCAMB.