Ticks and your pet
Egg stage:
Female ticks lay 4,000 to 6,500 eggs at a time* (depending on species) in secluded areas of dense vegetation. Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks.
*Blagburn BL, Dryden MW. Biology, Treatment, and Control of Flea and Tick Infestations. Vet Practices STAFF. 1990;1173-1199.
Larval stage:
After hatching, larvae search for their first blood meal. This could be on you or your pet. They latch on, feed on blood and then drop back into the environment.
Nymphal stage:
After feeding on their first blood meal, larvae molt into a nymph and search for another host. Nymphs are difficult to detect, increasing the chance of disease transmission.
Adult stage:
Nymphs feed then molt into adults. Adult females feeding on a host can grow up to 100 times their original weight.* The female will then breed, fall off and lay eggs – beginning the cycle again.
*Blagburn BL, Dryden MW. Biology, Treatment, and Control of Flea and Tick Infestations. Vet Practices STAFF. 1990;1173-1199.
Understanding the life cycle of ticks will help you put up a stronger defense.
Point to each stage on the diagram to learn more.
