How to remove ticks and what to know about these bloodsuckers

Ticks are common and capable of spreading deadly diseases. They are arachnids closely related to spiders and mites. There are over 800 tick species worldwide, with 84 documented in the United States. However, only a few species in the US bite humans and transmit diseases. After hatching from eggs, ticks go through three life stages: larva, nymph, and adult. Only female ticks become engorged when feeding on blood. It’s important to accurately remove ticks by grasping the head with tweezers. Different tick species carry different diseases, so identifying the tick can help determine the risk. Tick-borne diseases can be severe, so prevention strategies like using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and treating clothes with permethrin are important. It’s crucial not to let the fear of ticks keep you from enjoying outdoor activities.