| Ticks | Ticks | Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites. They are commonly found on low-lying vegetation waiting for a host to brush past them. At that time, the tick will cling to the host and begin searching for a feeding site. By burrowing their mouthparts into the host, a tick obtains its necessary blood meal. Depending on the tick species, they can feed from a few minutes to weeks. Ticks can transmit diseases to their host during this feeding.
There are several tick species found in Washington. Dermacentor species are found in woodlands; grassy, sunny, open areas near woods; and near wetlands. These ticks feed on deer, livestock, dogs, and humans and can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tick Paralysis, and Tularemia. These ticks include the American Dog tick. Ixodes species live in heavily-forested or brushy areas, but NOT in open areas. The immature stage prefers to feed on birds and small rodents but both immatures and adults will feed on humans, livestock and dogs. These ticks are found primarily in the western part of the state. Diseases transmitted by Ixodes species include Lyme disease, Tick paralysis, and Babesiosis. These ticks include the Northern Deer tick and the Western Black-legged tick. And finally, Ornithodoros species are found in Eastern Washington and are nesting parasites found in burrows and nests. They typically feed on small rodents. Humans can become incidental hosts when sleeping in rodent- and tick-infested areas such as cabins. Ornithodoros species are also known as “soft ticks” and spread Tick-borne Relapsing Fever. |
|
