What are ticks?

Ticks are tiny parasites related to spiders and mites. They attach themselves to animals and humans and feed on their blood. Ticks live in woods, fields and brushy areas. They crawl onto animals and people from the tips of grass and shrubs. Ticks can attach to any part of the body. The two types of ticks that many people talk about are the Black-legged tick (formerly called the deer tick) and the American dog tick. The Black-legged tick is about the same size as the head of a pin and it is found in many parts of the United States. Black-legged ticks can carry Lyme disease, especially those in New England & parts of the Midwest. The dog tick is very common and can be up to one-half inch long. If you have a dog, chances are pretty good that you’ve seen a dog tick on its coat. This type of tick can carry a disease called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

If you've received a tick bite:

1. Remove the tick promptly and carefully. Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and pull gently to remove the whole tick without crushing it.
2. If possible, seal the tick in a jar and keep it for a week or two. Your doctor may want to see the tick if you develop symptoms of illness after a tick bite.
3. Use soap and water to wash your hands and the area around the tick bite after handling the tick.
4. Call your doctor if you aren't able to completely remove the tick.

See your doctor if you develop:

• A rash
• A fever
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms

If possible, bring the tick with you to your doctor's appointment.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you develop:

• A severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis
• Chest pain or heart palpitations