Are there ticks in Arizona? Here's what to know about these nasty biters
The season of tank tops, shorts and sandals has arrived and lots of Arizonans are heading out to the woods for camping, hiking, bird watching and more. (Make sure to look out for bears!)
But there is also much smaller threat to look out for: Ticks.
These biting pests (scientific name Ixodida) can harm humans and pets. Ticks can transmit the pathogens that cause Lyme disease and other potentially dangerous conditions. Ticks are commonly found in outdoor environments with vegetation and animals.
Being aware of your surroundings, taking preventive measures and prompt removal of ticks are crucial in minimizing your risk. Here's what to know about ticks in Arizona.
What is a tick?
According to PestWorld.org, a tick is a small arachnid parasite. There are approximately 850 tick species around the world and over 90 in the United States. Ticks attach themselves to the skin of their host, using specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and feed on blood.
What does a tick look like?
Very simply, if it has eight legs, a round body and doesn’t look like a spider, then most likely it’s a tick. They can vary in size from as small as a pinhead to as large as a grape when fully engorged. Ticks are commonly found in outdoor environments, especially in areas with vegetation and animals.
How harmful is a tick bite?
While not all tick bites lead to infection, certain species of ticks carry bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be transmitted during a bite. Lifespan.org mentions that the severity of the harm depends on various factors, including the type of tick, the pathogens it carries and the duration of attachment.
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Are ticks common in Arizona?
Ticks can be found in the northern parts of Arizona, such as Flagstaff and Prescott. Ticks typically inhabit areas that provide shade and moisture, often at ground level. They tend to attach themselves to tall grasses and low shrubs, using them as a launching pad to latch onto their next host.
What are the symptoms of a tick bite?
You can be bitten by a tick and not realize it.
“They sort of silently transmit disease,” said Debbie T. Hansen, a microbiology expert and associate research professor in the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery at Arizona State University. “When you're bit by a tick, you don't feel it like a mosquito bite. So you don't feel that pain. It's not itchy, like a mosquito bite.”
If you find a tick on yourself, be on the lookout for symptoms.
“Initially they're flulike," Hansen said. “There can be fever, body aches. It's not just Lyme disease you can get, there's 20 different pathogens you can get."
Some tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, can cause significant health problems if not treated early. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, rash and, in severe cases, complications affecting the heart, nervous system or other organs.
“Neurological issues, heart issues, joint pain, fatigue and just essentially like a messed-up immune system," Hansen said. "Everyone is different. So not everyone has the same symptoms.”
If you have been bitten by a tick or develop any concerning symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical help. Early detection and care are crucial.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is commonly caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks) in the United States. It is characterized by flulike symptoms and can progress into a variety of neurological and heart issues if not treated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, "on average, there are about 1-10 confirmed or probable cases of Lyme disease each year in Maricopa County. All of the confirmed or probable cases were exposed outside of Arizona, in areas where Lyme disease is endemic."
Where should you check your body for ticks?
Ticks hide in a host's body primarily for feeding and reproduction. Ticks prefer areas where the skin is thinner and the blood supply is relatively close to the surface.
Hansen said ticks tend to hang out in warm, dark, wet places on your body.
“So they like to be in your hair, armpits, places you just don't look,” Hansen said.
How to remove a tick
Here's how to remove a tick, according to the CDC:
Use a pair of tweezers or tick removal tool. Avoid using your bare fingers as it increases the risk of infection.
Using the tweezers or tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Avoid gripping the tick's body; instead, aim to grab the tick's head or mouthparts.
With a steady motion, gently pull the tick straight upward, without twisting or jerking. Continue applying steady pressure until the tick releases its hold. Do not twist or rotate the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.
Place the tick in a sealable plastic bag or a container filled with rubbing alcohol and dispose of it. Or flush it down the toilet. Avoid crushing the tick with your fingers.
Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water. You also can use an antiseptic solution, such as rubbing alcohol, to disinfect the area.
Note the date and location of the tick bite. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or a rash. If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a health-care professional.
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How do you keep ticks away?
Prevention is critical. Wear full-length pants and long-sleeve shirts if you're going into likely tick habitat.
“Light-colored clothing — for some reason the ticks don't tend to like light-colored clothing as much as dark, maybe because again, they're looking for those dark areas,” Hansen said.
Any insect repellent labeled for ticks would be useful as well.
“Some people say it's effective if you spray your shoe and the lower part of your pants to keep them from crawling up,” Hansen said.
Are ticks dangerous for dogs?
Dr. Jerry Klein from American Kennel Club explains that tick bites can pose significant health risks to dogs. The most common tick-borne diseases in dogs include:
Lyme disease: Lyme disease in dogs can cause lameness, joint swelling, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications.
Ehrlichiosis: This disease affects white blood cells and can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss and bleeding disorders.
Anaplasmosis: Anaplasmosis can cause similar symptoms to other tick-borne diseases, including fever, lethargy, joint pain and decreased appetite.
Babesiosis: Babesiosis affects red blood cells and can lead to anemia, weakness, fever and, in severe cases, organ failure.
Ticks can also cause local irritation, inflammation and secondary infections at the site of attachment. In rare cases, ticks can transmit other diseases to dogs, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or tick paralysis.
Can my dog get Lyme disease?
PetMD explains that Lyme disease is extremely common among dogs, especially in Midwestern and eastern states.
Like humans, not all dogs infected with Lyme disease show symptoms. Some infected dogs may remain asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms that go unnoticed.
If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to ticks or shows concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian for testing and treatment.
How do I prevent ticks on my dog?
Preventive measures for dogs include regular tick checks, the use of tick preventives prescribed by your veterinarian and avoiding tick-infested areas.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tick safety: How to protect yourself and your dog