Wood ticks, scientifically known as Dermacentor variabilis or American dog ticks, are common outdoor pests found across much of the United States, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains and in some Pacific Coast areas. Many people have misconceptions about how these arachnids locate hosts, especially regarding their movement capabilities. This article will clarify how wood ticks actually move and provide practical strategies for protection.
Understanding Tick Movement
Wood ticks do not jump or fly; their legs are not adapted for it. Instead, they find hosts by “questing.”
Questing involves climbing onto vegetation like grass, shrubs, or leaves. They extend front legs equipped with sensory organs to detect host carbon dioxide, heat, and odors. When a host brushes past, the tick quickly latches on. These ticks prefer habitats with tall grass, brushy woodlands, and leaf litter, often at the edges where wooded areas meet lawns.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Understanding how ticks move is fundamental to effective protection. Wearing appropriate clothing can help create a barrier against ticks. When in areas where ticks may be present, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots. Light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks crawling on you.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing offers additional protection. Common active ingredients in these repellents include DEET and picaridin, both of which are effective against ticks. Permethrin, another effective repellent, can be applied to clothing and gear but should not be used directly on skin. Always follow product label instructions.
After spending time outdoors, performing a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets is important. Ticks often gravitate towards warm, moist areas of the body. Carefully inspect areas such as:
- Hairline
- Behind the ears
- Under the arms
- Inside the belly button
- Around the waist
- Between the legs
- Behind the knees
Prompt removal of attached ticks reduces the risk of disease transmission.
To remove an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which can cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.