Ticks: Infestation and Prevention

There are four major types of ticks that are in Missouri. Let us take a look at each one more closely and what potential problems that they can pose.

American Dog Tick

The American Dog Tick are the most common to come in contact with people. The male and female look completely different. They are known carriers of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and Ehrlichiosis.

Lone Star Tick

Most likely misidentified as the Black-legged (Deer) Tick. Can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Not likely to transmit ant other types of disease.

Black Legged (Deer) Tick

Very small in size. 1/2 the size of the American Dog tick at maturity. The main carrier of Lyme Disease. Lyme disease can be very painful and even deadly if not identified the early stages.

Brown Dog Tick

This tick has also been called the "Kennel Tick". It main tick that infest dogs. It will rarely feed on people and is not known to be a carrier of human diseases.

Prevention from tick infestation isn't hard or very technical. The best way to prevent tick infestation is to stay clear of areas known to inhabit ticks. Stay on marked paths in wooded areas. When using tick repellents, use those sprays that contain DEET as an active ingredient.

Proper Tick Removal

• Use tweezers close to skin and pull straight out. If tweezers are not available use a tissue or cloth as a barrier against contact with skin.
• Do Not Use:
  • Unprotected fingers
  • Burn
  • Petroleum jelly or nail polish
• Make sure to wash with soap and water before and after removing a tick.
• Make sure to tell your doctor of tick bites should symptoms occur.
• After removal of a tick, place it in a zippered plastic bag or seal in a small plastic container. You can take the tick to the doctors office for identification in case symptoms of disease should appear after removal. It takes over 4 hours of tick attachment before disease is transmitted to you.

Remember:

Safety comes in cans,

I can, You can, We can!

Semper vigilans!

1Lt Mark E. Miller, CAP