The eggs typically hatch in 36-57 days, during which time the larvae emerge and seek out small hosts, such as mice. Over 14-32 days, she will lay as many as 6,500 eggs and then die. When they are ready to lay their eggs, adult female American dog ticks will detach themselves from their hosts and search for a suitable egg-laying location. Adult American dog ticks prefer to bite domestic dogs and can therefore be brought into the home and potentially transferred to humans. While American dog ticks choose habitats that maximize their exposure to potential hosts, they can survive for about 2-3 years (1,053 days) unfed. These pests thrive in areas where grasses, bushes and plants are accessible to humans. They also prefer grassy areas with low vegetation where larger mammals pass by. It is thought that American dog ticks are attracted by the scent of animals, so they are common along roads and trails. If you suspect a tick problem on the property, contact a licensed pest control professional. In order to prevent any type of infestation, make sure to keep grass around the home well-trimmed, and inspect pets and people closely after outings. Homeowners with outdoor pets and tall grass are at higher risk for coming into contact with American dog ticks. Individuals can take added precaution by saving the tick in a sealed bag to be tested for any potentially harmful bacteria. Then, flush the tick down the toilet or wrap it in a tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle. Once the tick is removed, thoroughly clean the bite site with soap and water. Don’t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If you have a bite from an American dog tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Immediately wash any clothes worn outside. To get rid of ticks and limit risks indoors, inspect clothing and skin when heading inside. Also, consider wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light colored so ticks will be easy to detect, and tuck pants into socks. In order to avoid being bitten by an American dog tick, apply an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
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