If you’ve heard about bat ticks, you’re probably wondering if they’re as dangerous as other types of ticks. Do they carry Lyme Disease? Do they bite humans?
Bat ticks are commonly found near bat roosting areas. They’re also common on big brown bats, NJ’s most common species of bat.
Although these ticks tend to stay near bats, when a roost is abandoned, these ticks will wander off in search of food. This puts you and your family at risk.
The best way to protect yourself from bat ticks is by understanding what they are and what diseases they transmit.
What Is a Bat Tick?
A bat tick isn’t a new species. It was first identified in the 1930s but has only recently been
introduced to NJ. Unlike “hard ticks,” bat ticks are called “soft ticks.”
This tick was present in a number of other states but finally made its way to NJ. In 2020, the bat ticks were found in NJ.
Do bats have ticks? Yes. Bats offer bat ticks a source of food, which means you’ll commonly find these parasites on or near bats. If you have an issue with bat ticks, it’s important to eliminate bats from your property.
If a bat tick bites you, it may look like a red dot with a red rash around it that may be raised. You may also notice pain and itching at the bite location. Always have a physician check out any bites.
Bat Ticks and Disease
Unfortunately, not much is known about these ticks and the risk they pose to the public. Fortunately, they don’t seem to be transmitters of
Lyme disease.
Do Bat Ticks Bite Humans? Yes. These bites are considered benign, but you could still experience redness and swelling in the area.
It’s also possible for these ticks to carry a host of harmful microorganisms, especially bacteria. These particular pathogens can threaten humans and animals, so it’s important to reduce exposure to these tiny parasites.
What Do Bat Ticks Look Like?
If you’ve
checked for ticks and suspect you have bat ticks, it’s important to know what they look like. They’re a small, brown bug, that’s irregularly shaped. They could also be dark grey or black. They have eight legs and are about ⅜ of an inch in length.
Since bat ticks usually signal the presence of bats, always
contact a professional pest control expert if you suspect any of these parasites in and around your property. Bats can roost all over, but common bat roosting sites include attics, barns, siding, houses, and trees.
Get Rid of Bat Ticks Today
Although it’s not suspected that bat ticks transmit Lyme Disease, they could carry a host of other microorganisms, which means you don’t want them biting you, your family, or your pets. They could also point to a larger problem, such as bats, but a professional pest control company can help you remove them from your property.
Serene Property Services offers residential pest control to Sussex County, NJ, along with Warwick, NY.
Contact us today and we’ll work with you to create a pest prevention plan that keeps parasites away from your property.
