Larvae of ticks are called seed ticks. They are smaller than adult ticks but can cause infections and diseases. You need to follow a specific method for their removal from your body and treatment of the affected area.
The larval forms of ticks are called seed ticks. They are very small and resemble a seed in shape, hence the name seed ticks. They attach themselves on a human or animal’s body to feed on their blood. Seed ticks generally do not carry infectious agents. But if they are carriers of some pathogenic bacteria, they may inject them into your blood. Many diseases are caused in this manner. Rocky mountain spotted fever and tularemia are the most common among such diseases. Antibiotics are required for their treatment. Therefore, if you find seed ticks attached to your body, do not panic. Most of the time, their removal is sufficient.
Treatment for Seed Ticks
The foremost thing to do in seed tick treatment is to remove it from the body. Antibiotics are basically used to treat this bug. But there are few home remedies which may help you to get relief from the symptoms of a seed tick’s bite.
Seed Ticks Removal
The best way of getting rid of ticks is to remove them as soon as possible from your and your pet’s body. Following are some of the methods that you can use for this.
Tweezers
Take a pair of tweezers. Grasp the seed tick with it, and then pluck it out using a vertical motion. You will have to do it separately for all the ticks.
Masking Tape
Take a masking tape and cover the area that the tick is attached. Make sure that the tick sticks on to the tape. Pull the tape out with force so that the tick comes out with it. Check with a magnifying glass whether all the ticks have been removed or not.
Shampoo
In case, the tick is firmly attached to your skin and doesn’t come out easily, use a body lice shampoo.
Seed Tick Treatment: Dos and Don’ts
- Seed ticks may cause intense itching. Do not apply any topical cream to relieve the itching. This will make the task difficult. Instead, keep the area dry.
- Do not try to remove the ticks with your fingernails. They are too small and some parts may get squeezed into your body in this manner, which can cause infection.
- While removing the ticks, make sure that you are not touching them with your bare hands, as this could lead to infection.
Home Treatment for Seed Ticks
Home remedies for seed ticks involves the use of a few things that are commonly available in your home and can relieve you of itching and rashes. After removing the ticks, clean the area well. You may apply hydrogen peroxide with the help of a cotton ball on the area of the bite. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Usually, rashes develop on and around the area bitten by seed ticks. They disappear in a couple of days.
- Place an ice pack on the bite. It will reduce the numbness and swelling.
- As a substitute for ice packs, you may use tea tree oil.
- In order to relieve itching, you may use essential oils. Lavender oil is considered to be the best for this purpose. Apply a few drops on the bite and allow it to stay there for about 10 minutes. Wash it off with water. If it still itches, you may again apply a few more drops of lavender oil.
- The pulp of aloe vera leaf is also effective in reducing itching and rashes. Spread it on the affected area and keep it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it well with water. You may do this 3-4 times a day.
- Another natural cure for seed ticks is peppermint oil. You may use a toothpaste or any other topical cream containing peppermint oil as well.
How to Get Rid of Seed Ticks
You need to treat the entire house with an insecticide to get rid of seed ticks. Regularly mow your garden. This will help the sunlight to penetrate deep inside the grass, which will kill the bugs. Scatter insecticides in the yard and places where they can hide and grow. As seed ticks can feast on your pet(s)’ blood, it is very important to bathe your pets with flea and tick soap which will kill the bugs on their body. Also, make sure where they sleep is clean and hygienic.
Seed ticks on humans do not always cause infection as they may or may not carry a pathogen. Still, it is important that you keep a check on your health after seed ticks bite. Use the above suggested methods for seed ticks treatment and removal if they happen to attach themselves on your body. In case, within a period of 2 to14 days, you develop fever or muscle aches, consult a doctor immediately. Take care!
Disclaimer: This PetPonder article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
