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What Is a Wood Tick?

Paul Scott
Paul Scott

A wood tick is a parasitic arachnid belonging to the Ixodoidea taxonomic superfamily. These less-than-appealing little insects survive by latching onto a warm-blooded host and gorging themselves with the host's blood until they swell to several times their original size. The wood tick is also a known transmitter of several diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. The insects share the same habitats with most tick species, waiting patiently on blades of grass or low shrubs for a suitable host to brush up against them and afford an opportunity to climb on board to feed.

Ticks are parasitic arachnids similar in physical features to spiders and mites. Part of the Ixodoidea superfamily, ticks make a living by gorging themselves on the blood of unwilling, and usually unknowing, warm-blooded hosts. As is the case with most parasitic creatures that rely on a diet of blood for survival, the tick will feed on animals, birds, and humans as the opportunity presents itself. This presents a very real risk of cross-transmission of diseases, such as Lyme, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. Apart from the unpleasant, itchy bites, this danger of disease transmission should be the main reason for trying at all costs to avoid tick bites.

Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.

The wood tick is one of the Dermacentor genus of hard ticks. The name can be confusing at times as other tick types such as the American dog tick — Dermacentor variabilis — are also frequently referred to as wood ticks. The more accurate application of the name, however, is the Rocky Mountain wood tick, or Dermacentor andersoni. Both male and female wood ticks are approximately 3/16th of an inch (5.5 mm) long when unfed and can swell to 0.5 inches (13 mm) when gorged. Female wood ticks sport a large silver dot behind their heads, while the males have fine silver lines across their backs.

Wood ticks may cause unpleasant, itchy bites.
Wood ticks may cause unpleasant, itchy bites.

Both variabilis and andersoni subspecies are known carriers and transmitters of Rocky Mountain spotted fever among other diseases, with the American dog tick also being responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. The Rocky Mountain wood tick is known to carry Lyme, but its transferal potential of the disease is uncertain. It is this disease-spreading potential that makes tick bite prevention a crucial part of any outdoor activity. The use of insect repellents and the wearing of tight-cuffed clothing does help, although regular inspections of all exposed skin areas is usually the best first line of defense. Ticks can fairly quickly migrate from the legs and feet to the hair with the host being unaware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a wood tick?

Garlic can be used to prevent tick bites.
Garlic can be used to prevent tick bites.

A wood tick, also known as the American dog tick, is a species of tick commonly found in wooded, grassy areas of North America. It's a member of the arachnid family and is known for being a carrier of diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, including humans and dogs.

How can I identify a wood tick?

Ticks can spread dangerous diseases and infections to people and animals.
Ticks can spread dangerous diseases and infections to people and animals.

Wood ticks are distinguishable by their flat, oval bodies which become engorged and rounded after feeding. Adults have a reddish-brown color with a grayish area over the back. Males are about 3.6 mm in length, while females can grow up to 15 mm when fully engorged. They have eight legs and a distinctive shield-like plate behind their heads.

Where are wood ticks commonly found?

Wood ticks thrive in wooded, brushy areas where they can easily latch onto passing animals or humans. They are prevalent across the eastern United States and can be found in tall grass, along trails, and around the edges of forests. They are most active during the warmer months, especially from April to September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What diseases can wood ticks transmit?

Wood ticks are vectors for several diseases, the most notable being Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also transmit tularemia and potentially cause tick paralysis. The risk of disease transmission increases the longer the tick remains attached to the host, making prompt removal crucial for reducing the likelihood of infection.

How can I prevent wood tick bites?

To prevent wood tick bites, use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothing and exposed skin. Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck your pants into your socks, and avoid walking through tall grass and underbrush. After outdoor activities, perform thorough tick checks on your body and clothing, and shower soon after to wash away unattached ticks.

What should I do if I find a wood tick on me?

If you find a wood tick on your skin, 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, an iodine scrub, or soap and water. Monitor the bite site for signs of infection or illness.

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    • Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
      By: Viktor
      Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
    • Wood ticks may cause unpleasant, itchy bites.
      By: ronstik
      Wood ticks may cause unpleasant, itchy bites.
    • Garlic can be used to prevent tick bites.
      By: rmarinello
      Garlic can be used to prevent tick bites.
    • Ticks can spread dangerous diseases and infections to people and animals.
      By: Alexandra
      Ticks can spread dangerous diseases and infections to people and animals.