What Does A Tick Bite Look Like?

Ticks, unlike other creatures such as mosquitoes, spiders, or ants, attach to the host person or animal that they bite. They burrow their heads into the skin and remain on the body until they have finished feeding. When the tick leaves, it does not take its mouthparts with it. Instead, it leaves them behind in the wounded skin.

Usually, ticks only leave behind a small red mark at the bite site. Sometimes, you can see the appearance of a splinter-like black center which is most likely the mouthparts it has left behind. The mouthparts, although gross, usually only cause little, if any, irritation.

However, if the area begins to swell or if you break out in a centered rash that is formally called the “bullseye rash,” seek medical attention immediately. This rash develops like a ring around the infected wound. In the center, the bite might look swollen and red. Then, a half-inch to a few inches away from the center, a circular rash will form around it like a bullseye. A bullseye rash is associated with Lyme disease. The sooner you seek treatment, the less severe the Lyme disease symptoms might be.
On a pet, ticks can go undetected for a while because they hide in the fur. Sometimes ticks fall off before they are spotted on the animal. However, if you find a tick on your animal, you should remove it as soon as possible. It’s recommended to use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick as close to its head and as far down on the skin as possible. Once you’ve successfully removed the tick it must be properly disposed of so that it won’t strike again. You can dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or by holding a flame to it until it bursts. After removing a tick from a family member or pet, monitor them for signs of any flu-like symptoms, rashes, or trouble breathing.

Remember, ticks do not bite more than once. If you notice several ticks on an animal or a combination of pets and people in your household who have been bitten, it might be time to call for professional help. Ticks carry serious diseases that should be avoided at all costs.

A professional pest control business like Asset Pest Management is ready to meet you at the next available convenience to discuss riding your home of ticks for good.