Extension Notes

Susan Fox
Lyon County Extension Agent
for Agriculture/Natural Resources

Outdoor activity can bring you in contact with terrible biting ticks and mites. In hay fields there can be tiny straw mites which cause red welts with a small white pustule in the center. In wild blackberry patches, grassy woods edges, and other weedy areas, people may get chiggars which feed in tight areas under clothing and cause a dome-shaped raised bump. Other bites are commonly attributed to turkey mites.

According to Lee Townsend, University of Kentucky Entomologist, turkey mite bites are actually caused by tick larvae – also called seed ticks and a variety of other more colorful epithets. The culprit is the tiny, ‘period’ to pinhead-size nymphal stage of the tick. They can be almost invisible to the eye when they hatch from the egg.

From personal experience I can attest that hundreds of tick bites can sometimes occur on the ankles, behind knees and other spots should you get into a ‘nest’ of these tiny ticks.

In particular, the Lone Star Tick is one that is very aggressive. Most ticks climb to the top of a blade of grass and wait with their legs outstretched to catch a ride on a host. The Lone Star Tick, however, can sense its prey and will pursuit over long distances. I have watched an adult stage tick coming at me at a pretty good clip from three feet away.

The period from November to March is about the only time some stage of the Lone Star Tick is not a problem over much of Kentucky. (This may be the real reason most hunting is done November through March?)

Ticks are most abundant in overgrown areas along trails or the edges of woods where small mammals live or where deer are active.

They will settle in on their host, insert their long mouthparts, cement themselves in place, and engorge on blood. The saliva injected as they feed can cause intense itching at the bite site that will continue for a week or longer. After engorging themselves, the small ticks will drop to the ground, digest their meal, and molt to the next stage.

Here are some tips to help protect you from ticks, chiggers and mites while outdoors:

  • Wear light-colored long sleeved shirts and long pants. The light color will make ticks easier to spot. Tucked pant legs will keep ticks from reaching the skin easily.
  • Check yourself frequently for ticks so you can remove them before they become attached. Ticks tend to move upward on the body and attach under the arms or along the nape of the neck. Repellents can provide protection from tick attachment. Read the product label for specific instructions.

    • General precautions for any repellent include:

    DEET Repellents: Use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing (do not apply to skin covered by clothing). Do not spray repellents directly onto the face. Spray on your hands first, then apply to your face. Do not apply to the hands of small children and do not be use on irritated skin or skin damaged by cuts or rashes. Do not apply repellents in enclosed areas indoors. Apply every 4-8 hours, more frequent use is not necessary.

    Permethrin-Based Repellents (Permanone): Do not apply to skin! Apply only to outside of clothing before wearing - and do not saturate clothing. Do not treat clothing more than once every 2 weeks. Hang all treated clothing outdoors to dry for at least 4 hours before wearing. Wash treated clothing at least once before treating again.

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