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Critters in the Yard
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return to Critters in the Yard -
Ticks
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension
Unit
These small, eight-legged creatures are related to spiders and
mites. They are not insects, and have no distinct head section.
Ticks are usually found in grassy, bushy or wooded areas. They do
not typically fall from trees, but come off tall grasses and low
shrubs.
Once on a warm-blooded animal, ticks will search for hours to find a
suitable place to feed. This is often near the head.
There are three common types of ticks in eastern Nebraska. They are:
1. American dog or wood tick -- most commonly found on humans.
2. Brown dog tick -- feeds on dogs and seldom attacks humans.
3. Lonestar tick -- southern Nebraska only, rarely found in Douglas
County. Possible vector of lyme disease.
To prevent tick problems, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants
with tight fitting cuffs when in tick-infested areas. Use insect
repellent materials that are safe and registered for use against
ticks. Inspect your body after being in an area where ticks are
common. Remove any that you find. Never use heat or flames to remove
a tick, and do not twist a tick's body. Gently and directly pull the
tick from the skin and apply antiseptic. You may find them before
they attach themselves, because of their practice of wandering and
searching.
Tick numbers outside a home can be reduced by using residual
insecticides (acaricides) such as carbaryl (Sevin), or diazinon.
Always follow label directions.
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