Deer Tick Bite

Deer Ticks

The deer tick is an arachnid external parasite that feeds on the blood of birds and mammals. Although the deer tick bite is not dangerous in itself, it can spread very serious diseases. Relapsing fever, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, equine encephalitis, Colorado tick fever, and several forms of ehrlichiosis are some examples of what the deer tick bite might spread. It is an impressive list and makes the deer tick the second biggest spreader of human diseases, closely following number one, the mosquito.

Deer tick bite � Where to look

The deer tick thrives more or less all over the world so chances are pretty big that you have encountered one if you live fairly close to nature. The deer tick can not jump to its host as many believe. It will sit on a branch or in high grass and wait for a possible host to pass by. Then falling on or grabbing onto its host it will find a suitable spot, usually dark and moist places such as the in hollows of the knees, in the armpits or in the area of the groin, where it starts to feed.

Deer tick bite � You won�t feel a thing

The mouth of the deer tick is more or less formed as a harpoon which it plunges into the skin of its host, firmly securing it in place. The deer tick needs to find a thin piece of skin to achieve this as the so called harpoon isn�t very long. As the deer tick bites it will spit a mild painkiller, this will ensure that the deer ticks host will not know what is happening. Therefore you never feel a deer tick bite although you actually should.

Deer tick bite � Removing

To remove a deer tick from a deer tick you will have to be careful. Some say that the deer tick should be removed with a powerful yank but this is completely wrong as the deer tick might break, leaving its head still attached to your skin, leaking contagious spit into your blood stream. Neither are different liquids a good idea to pour on the deer tick as it might get sick and vomit into your blood stream. Instead, use a pair of tweezers to get a firm grip on the deer tick as close to the skin as possible and then pull it out slowly. That will do the trick.

Deer tick bite � Seeing the signs

With many similarities to a mosquito bite, the deer tick bite might very well be mistaken for one. It will be a little bump that itches. In some cases a light red ring will be seen around the bite and that is what makes a deer tick bite stand out. Still, there is no way of knowing if you have contracted any serious diseases. If the deer tick bite wont disappear, the ring gets redder or if other typical symptoms of illness occur, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you have had a deer tick bite so the doctor can make the right diagnosis. It is more or less impossible to know what kind of disease it is by just looking at the symptoms as many are the same - medical tests will be necessary. It might seem scary, but it might also save your life.

Deer Tick