Hundreds of species of ticks are found across the world. The deer tick is a species of tick that is small and dark legged. It is also known as the seed tick or bear tick and feeds primarily on mice, deer, cattle, and humans.

In the United States, deer ticks are commonly found in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Deer ticks await their potential host in paths and trails along woods and grasslands. They are also found in the den of smaller animals like white-footed mice, skunks, and raccoons.

Deer ticks complete their life cycle in about two years. However, in the absence of hosts, this cycle may take longer to be completed. Adult ticks feed in winter, and their preferred host is the white-tailed deer. Adult ticks mate while feeding on the deer. The male tick dies soon after mating, while the female tick remains attached to the host until spring. Then, she drops off and lays eggs.

Deer tick larvae emerge after several weeks from the eggs and generally feed on white-footed mice. These mice contain bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The larvae are infected when they feed on mice; however, they cannot transmit the disease. It is at the nymph stage that the disease is passed on to people and animals. Nymphs are very active between May and July. Therefore, people living in tick-prone regions need to be on high alert during this period to protect themselves and their pets from tick bites. They need to mow lawn grass regularly, prune shrubs, and remove weeds and dry leaves. Pets and their environments must be treated with tick-killing pesticides, while people should use repellent on their clothes before wearing them. Tick drags should also be undertaken routinely. This involves dragging a long, light-colored cloth over the tick-prone property.

Ticks do not fly or jump. They crawl onto the body of the host from shrubs and grass. In humans, deer ticks often target the back of the neck for feeding. They need to be attached for at least six to eight hours to transmit Lyme disease. Therefore, the disease can be prevented by removing a tick immediately after it has attached itself to a host.

To conclude, deer tick bites can cause the dangerous Lyme disease, which may affect the heart or the nervous system and lead to other complications. Therefore, it is essential to take adequate precautions to prevent tick bites.

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