Size doesn’t matter. David vs Goliath may be our best promotion of that notion. But, in a more frightening reality, the Tick may be the archetypal scribblings that prove that myth.
The deadly 30mm Acari-Ixodida may be more effective than any other predator, even homo-sapiens will fall short, one on one.
With that in mind, let’s gain some useful knowledge on how to at least dodge this formidable foe.
What Do Tick Nests Look Like?
Ticks live on all continents. Although they require high humidity for survival, this Columbus-like arachnid can inhabit most environments, through natural adaptation, and can feast upon just about anything with a circulatory system to survive. Hvaing a lack of discrimination that makes them seem almost omnipotent.
This versatility means that they do not have a specific blueprint nest, per say, they may occupy anywhere they please if necessary. A tick can be found from heavily forested areas to your lawn and some will use foreign nests depending on the species. Pets can usually provide a great host for these parasites, especially due to the free roaming nature of cats and canines.
Their appearance, what can be seen of them, isnt of structural safeguard, like their eight-legged cousins. It is a lowly minute clump of burgundy eggs, laying in floor level vegetation. However they will be so small that proactively trying to find them may be as futile as looking for a needle in a haystack.
How to Spot Tick Nests
In reality, you won’t be frequently coming across the eggs or nest of a tick. As mentioned, the most common placement for them is found on ground level, encapsulated in the soft surrounding grass.
This does not however prevent them from transferring into an indoor environment and flourishing, dependant on the conditions, to then lead to infestation.
Taking the dog for a walk is a necessity, and shouldn’t be avoided for fear of ticks. But, a post walk analysis for them upon arriving back to your home would be the best method to mitigate any interactions with ticks and to prevent coexistence with a deadly and unwelcome guest.
So to be safe, anything with the following characteristics should be dealt with precaution.
- Burgundy like colour
- Caviar like, bundling of eggs
- Common in a high humidity area
- Found on floor level in a non domesticated environment
Nest Disposal and Tick Prevention
Ticks aren’t easy to dispose of, to say the least. Ticks, and their nests, due to their adaptive nature, won’t be culled easily. Drowning wont work, so don’t waste your time.
Also, no matter how inconvenient and audacious a tick or its unsprung offspring may seem, using brute force to obliterate them will leave you vulnerable, as you may be exposed to any of the pathogens being carried by the tick or its lineage.
So the best methods are those most totalistic. Divide and destroy. Here’s how:
- Do not touch
- Do not touch (seriously)
- Remove nest from environment using whatever tools needed, and dispose or clean said tools in alcohol afterwards
- Submerge nest in alcohol.
If you deem it necessary, you can submerge the nest within the alcohol in a container or sealed bag, date it, then use for for further analysis of what ticks have been around if you do unfortunately suffer from any symptoms later down the line.
Therefore, as in most cases, prevention is the best option. A problem avoided is a problem solved. Here are the most recommended precautions to evade ticks:
- Avoid walking through heavy vegetation, stick to paths on such walks
- Wear long sleeved clothing, avoid shorts and wear suitable shoes (boots)
- Spray clothing with tick repellent
- Use a baiting system in your garden around vegetation (Brush along outstanding leaves with a piece of cloth to simulate a potential host)
Final Thoughts
Ticks will luckily not invade your home in barrages of deadly brigades on the hunt. But they may sneak through your defences unknowingly, so be aware of this enemy. Your best weapon is educated prevention and knowledge in this perpetual battle.