Ticks

Recognize the signs

Count and shape

Ticks have a compact body and no antennae. Larvae have six legs; nymphs and adults have eight. Feeding changes the size and shape substantially, so an engorged tick may look unlike an unfed reference.

Stage and behavior

Eggs hatch into larvae, followed by nymphs and adults. Ticks crawl onto hosts; they do not fly or jump. A tiny nymph can be harder to find than an adult.

Look more closely

Compare the labeled examples and their limits. Images are independently enlarged, not shown at a common scale.

↗

Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

Compare every column. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways.

What else could it be?

Small beetles

Beetles have six legs, antennae and hard wing covers. Tick larvae also have six legs, so leg count alone is insufficient.

Mites

Many are much smaller and need microscopy. Do not infer a tick from a moving dot or skin mark.

Compare mites ↗

Inspect the right places

1. After outdoor exposure

   Check scalp, ears, underarms, waist, groin and behind the knees, using a mirror or another person where needed. Check pets, clothing and equipment too.

2. Document without delaying removal

   Record the body location, discovery time and likely exposure area. Photograph both sides beside a scale after removal if practicable. Keep any saved tick securely contained and away from children.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. Remove an attached tick

   Use fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid crushing the body. Clean the skin and your hands afterwards. If small mouthparts cannot be removed easily, leave them rather than digging into skin.

2. Ask about exposure when appropriate

   Contact a clinician promptly if you need advice about possible preventive treatment. Eligibility depends on the exposure and timing; antibiotics are not automatically indicated after every tick bite.

3. Respond to illness

   If fever, a new rash or other illness develops after exposure, seek medical advice and mention the date and place. Do not wait for a mailed tick result. Severe symptoms require urgent medical care.

4. Protect people and pets

   Use a locally authorized repellent according to its age and application directions, protective clothing and tick checks. Ask a veterinarian about animal prevention; human repellents and dog products are not interchangeable with cat treatments.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not burn, paint, smother or twist an attached tick to make it detach.
• Do not rely on a universal safe attachment time: infection risk differs by organism and circumstances.
• Do not use commercial tick-test results to decide whether a person is infected or needs treatment.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Reduce leaf litter and brush along frequently used paths; place play and sitting areas away from dense edge vegetation where feasible.
• Check clothing and gear before bringing them indoors; follow CDC and fabric instructions for washing and drying exposed items.
• Consult current local public-health information. A map of tick presence does not establish the infection status of an individual tick.

Common questions