–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth — Field Crops
Usually in Kansas, as spring passes into summer and summer becomes hotter and drier, the threat of tick bites is reduced. However, this year we are still seeing and getting reports about tick activity throughout the state. There are four different species of ticks found in Kansas, but probably the most common tick encountered by agriculturalists and other persons enjoying the outdoors is the American dog tick or sometimes called the wood tick (see fig.1)
Figure 1. American Dog or wood tick (pic by Cody Wyckoff)
These are the ticks that most commonly get on us when walking in grassy or weedy areas beside crop fields or walking through those types of areas for recreation or anything else. These ticks need three hosts (blood donors) during their lifecycle but finding these three suitable hosts may take a year or more. These ticks cannot fly, jump or even crawl very fast for very far and thus primarily they just crawl up onto low vegetation and wait there to “ambush” a host. When a suitable host comes within contact of the hungry tick, the tick grabs onto the prospective host and immediately searches for a suitable feeding site on that host. They then insert their mouthparts and start engorging with blood until satiated, which may take more than 1 day. Once satisfied, they drop to the ground to molt, if they are in the larval or nymphal stage, or to start depositing eggs if an adult female. This searching/feeding activity can occur from March to October depending upon weather. Once a tick becomes attached, removal needs to happen ASAP. The safest way to remove an attached tick from its host is to gently-but firmly-grasp the tick with fine forceps and apply steady pressure until the tick releases its hold. Then always inspect it to make sure the mouthparts are still attached to the tick (see fig 2)
Picture 2. Firm grip to remove tick (pic by Cody Wyckoff)
then preserve it in alcohol or freeze for later identification if necessary. Ticks may feed for a few days before becoming satisfied and disengaging, however, tick feeding sites may stay red and inflamed for several days afterward (see fig 3-tick removed intact 5 days prior). If a rash or flu-like symptoms develop after about 10 days consult your physician and take the preserved tick with you for specific identification.
Picture 3. Tick irritation 5 days after removal.