What are Seed Ticks?
Although some smaller types of ticks are referred to as seed ticks, the term generally refers to the larval form of a tick. In this form, they are very small, often the size of a pinhead, if not a bit smaller. Many say they often resemble a seed, and therefore are known as seed ticks.
To understand what the proper stage seed tick, it is first necessary to understand what the different life stages of a tick are. These stages are: egg, larva, nymph and adult. Those in the nymph stage can also be referred to as seed ticks.
The danger in seed ticks usually lies in their numbers. Where there is one there are usually hundreds, if not thousands of other seed ticks. Also, because seed ticks tend to be in the same area, they tend to find the same hosts. Therefore, those who notice one seed tick may find many others where those come from.
Though all ticks can carry disease, seed ticks, because they are somewhat younger may not carry quite as many harmful viruses. This should not be misinterpreted as a reason to not take them seriously, however. All ticks have the ability to carry disease such as Lyme disease and rocky mountain fever.
Most seed ticks, do not have the ability to tightly cling onto a host, therefore tick removal is often easier than with adult ticks. In some cases, it can simply be done by placing packaging tape over the affected area and lifting it off. The ticks usually stick to the tape. For animals, using a product such as Frontline™ usually works very well.
For those who find a pet affected by seed ticks, it is wise to make sure to treat the entire house, or at least areas where the pet has access, with some type of insecticide. As mentioned before, the seed ticks are numerous and may not always stay on a host. Therefore, they could easily wander around a home in areas where a pet has been. Without treatment, it is possible a home owner will find themselves continually having a problem with the small bugs.
As with any bug bite, the bite of seed ticks should be closely monitored for any infections. Seed ticks may leave an irritation on the skin which shows up as red itchy bumps. If these do not go away after few days, or if the person bitten develops an illness shortly thereafter, medical treatment should be sought.
Written by Ken Black
