What Is a Hard Tick?

There are two types of ticks. A hard tick is one with a hard shield just behind the mouthparts. When it has not been feeding, a hard tick looks like a flat seed. A soft tick does not have this hard shield and looks like a raisin. The former feed on dogs, deer and other medium to large mammals while the latter more commonly feed on birds and bats. Hard ticks have very noticeable mouthparts unlike soft ticks whose mouthparts are barely visible.

The scutum on the dorsal side of a hard tick is a hard, usually shiny, sclerotized plate which covers more of the male's body than the female. This enables the female to become more engorged with blood than the male. Males do not expand as much during the feeding process.

Ticks are arachnids, with adults having four pairs of legs and no antennae. They take several days to feed and are the most efficient carriers of disease as they suck blood slowly after attaching themselves firmly. They wait for host animals to brush by the grasses and shrubs they are in and climb on. They are unable to fly or jump so are capable of waiting for months in the vegetation until a potential host passes by.

Once on a host, the hard tick pierces the skin and starts to suck the blood. The host feels no pain or irritation and so the tick is able to stay in place for as long as it needs to. A female hard tick usually feeds for several days until she has dramatically increased her body weight. She then drops off, lays thousands of eggs and dies.

The male hard tick is not as interested in food as in finding a mate which is their main purpose in attaching themselves to a host animal. It may find it easier to feed on an engorged female hard tick than on the host. Soon after mating, the male dies.

Ticks are quite capable of attaching themselves to a human host and as they are major carriers of disease, care must be taken when walking through low bushy areas, abandoned buildings and caves. Ticks are small, so examining the body and clothes needs to done thoroughly. Pets should also be checked, especially its head and ears. Winter is the only season when ticks are not prevalent so in all other seasons, checking for ticks after walking in the woods or grassy areas is necessary.

Hard ticks are characterized by their tough, shield-like scutum that covers part of their back, providing protection and giving them their name. Unlike soft ticks, which have a more leathery appearance, hard ticks are often easier to spot and remove due to this distinctive feature. They are also the most common type to attach to humans and pets.

A hard tick can be identified by its small, flat, and oval body before feeding, and its enlarged, engorged shape after a blood meal. They have a hard plate, the scutum, near their heads. The color can vary from brown to reddish-brown or black. Adult hard ticks have eight legs, distinguishing them from larvae, which have six.

Hard ticks are notorious vectors for various diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. According to the CDC, ticks are responsible for more human disease than any other insect in the United States. Prompt removal and awareness of symptoms are crucial for preventing long-term health issues from tick-borne diseases.

Hard ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas where they can easily latch onto passing hosts. They are prevalent across the United States, particularly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions, where Lyme disease is more common. They are less active in colder months but can survive in leaf litter or under snow.

To prevent tick bites, use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothing and gear. When in tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and walk in the center of trails. After outdoor activities, perform thorough tick checks on your body, clothing, and pets, and shower soon after being outdoors.

If you find a hard tick on your body, 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 the tick. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Monitor for symptoms and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.