Tick species and its behaviour

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and even reptiles. While they are tiny, they can pose a significant threat to humans and pets as they are known to transmit a range of serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tick-borne encephalitis. In this article, we will explore the world of ticks, their types and the behavior of these potentially dangerous pests.

What are Ticks?

Ticks are a type of arachnid, related to spiders and mites. They are ectoparasites, which means that they feed on the blood of their host while remaining on the outside of the body. Ticks are typically found in wooded or grassy areas and attach themselves to their host by biting through the skin and feeding on their blood. Once attached, ticks can stay on their host for several days, during which time they can transmit diseases.

Types of Ticks

There are several types of ticks around the world, with different species in different regions. The following are common species of ticks found in Hong Kong:

Brown dog tick

Brown dog ticks are one of the most common ticks in Hong Kong, with a body size of about 3-5 mm. They are often parasitic on animals such as dogs, cats and rats and can transmit diseases.

Black-bellied tick

The black-bellied tick is one of the most common ticks in Hong Kong, with a body size of about 2-3 mm. They are often found on trees, bushes and other plants and can transmit diseases.

How long can ticks live in a house?

Ticks can survive indoors for several months, depending on the conditions in your home. While ticks prefer to live outdoors, they can enter your home on pets or people and continue to survive and reproduce indoors. Here are some factors that can affect how long ticks can survive in a house

Temperature and humidity

Ticks prefer warm and humid environments, so if your home is kept at a high temperature and humidity level, ticks may be able to survive for longer periods of time.

Tick living on the human and animal skin

Food sources

Ticks require a blood meal to survive and reproduce. If there are pets or rodents in your home, ticks may be able to feed on them and continue to survive indoors.

Hiding places

Ticks prefer dark, humid hiding places. If there are areas in your home where ticks can hide, such as carpeted areas, bedding, or furniture, they may be able to survive for longer periods of time.

Treatment

If you have taken measures to control tick populations in your home, such as using insecticides, vacuuming, or washing bedding, this can help reduce the survival time of ticks. You may find this article helpful to prevent ticks from infestation in your house. However, self-treatment may lead to spreading of infestation if handled improperly. Consider contact a pest control professional to evaluate and get rid of ticks for you.

Ticks will get into human skin and spread diseases

To prevent ticks from entering your home and surviving indoors, it's important to take steps to control tick populations outdoors, such as keeping grass and vegetation trimmed, using tick-repellent products, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you have pets, be sure to check them for ticks regularly and use tick-preventive products. If you find ticks in your home, take measures to control the infestation and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.

In general, ticks can survive for several days or even weeks without feeding, especially if the humidity levels are high. However, they are unlikely to survive for more than a few months without a host.

However, if you find ticks inside your house, it's important to remove them promptly and take steps to prevent them from coming back. This may include vacuuming regularly, sealing up entry points, and using tick repellents. It is advised that you find a professional pest control company to provide tick treatment services.

Ticks are most active in warm temperature

What time of day are ticks most active?

Ticks are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from spring through fall, when temperatures are above freezing. However, the specific time of day when ticks are most active can vary depending on the species of tick and its preferred host.

In general, ticks are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, but they can also be active at night. This is because ticks are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Subject

Ixodoidea

Life Preferences

Prefer higher temperatures, active tick season from April to September each year

Family Members

According to 2011 data, nearly 900 species have been found worldwide, including more than 700 species of hard ticks, about 150 species of soft ticks, and one species of Ixodes. In China, about 100 species of hard ticks and 10 species of soft ticks have been recorded. In Hong Kong, they are mainly found in vegetated areas such as country parks and outlying islands.

Behaviour

Ticks suck blood from larvae, juveniles, and both male and female adults. Hosts include terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and some species are known to infest humans. Hard ticks are found in open nature, such as forests, shrublands, grasslands, and semi-desert areas. Ticks have a keen sense of smell and are sensitive to the smell of animal sweat and carbon dioxide emissions, and can sense when they are 15m away from their hosts, moving from passive waiting to active waiting, and climbing once they come into contact with their hosts.

Have you seen any of these tick signs?

Seeing signs of tick reproduction? You can take steps to get rid of a tick infestation, but we strongly recommend that you contact a professional pest control company immediately. Rentokil Hong Kong has over 60 years of experience in tick prevention in Hong Kong and offers one-stop tick control services. Take a look at our customer testimonials and learn more about their stories with Rentokil.

Call us at +85229546888 or leave a message online and our tick experts will arrange an on-site survey for your residential or commercial premises, depending on the actual situation.

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What are Ticks?