Are Ticks Attracted to Certain Blood Types?
Have you ever been hiking and found a little black bug lodged in your neck afterward? If so, then you’ve experienced a tick bite. Not only can these bites be uncomfortable, but they also put you at risk for various tick-borne diseases.
Many want to know how to prevent tick bites to avoid contracting chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. Part of prevention is understanding the behavior of these pests. As such, many people wonder, “Are ticks attracted to certain blood types?”
The best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is to hire professional tick control experts from Nada Mosquito. Our licensed pest specialists can ensure ticks don’t threaten your or your pet’s health.
What the Studies Say About Tick’s Attraction to Certain Blood Types
Those worried about contracting tick-borne illnesses or who live in areas with prevalent pest populations may ask, “Are ticks attracted to certain blood types?” According to a 2018 study, evidence does suggest that there may, in fact, be certain blood types that are more attractive to ticks.
The study conducted by Zakovska et al., placed samples of each blood type in Petri dishes and exposed them to the Lyme-disease-carrying species of tick. About 36% of the ticks chose type A blood, and only 15% selected type B. While researchers need new studies to strengthen this correlation, these results suggest some blood type preference amongst ticks.
The Recent Rise of Tick-Borne Diseases
As global temperatures climb, oceans aren’t the only thing on the rise. Certain tick populations have grown at alarming rates of 60% or higher in the last few years. As a result, understanding the common places ticks hideout and how to protect yourself is essential.
Common Places To Find Ticks
Considering the recent rise in tick populations, learning where to find and avoid these pests is crucial to protecting yourself. Most ticks prefer humid and moist areas, such as piles of leaves, dead branches, or stone retaining walls that hold moisture. However, certain species thrive in other settings.
For example, Lone star ticks typically prefer dry, hot climates but are thriving further north as global temperatures rise. Soft ticks can propagate within indoor spaces, under floorboards, and within walls. Get your home checked for ticks to avoid illnesses like Lyme disease.
Protecting Yourself From Tick Infection
Ticks hunt through a method called “questing.” In this passive style of hunting, ticks choose a comfortable hiding spot and wait to detect the carbon dioxide released by mammal exhalation. When a suitable host is near, they crawl or climb their way onto the host’s skin to feed.
Fortunately, you can take several steps to protect yourself from tick bites and diseases. For example, you can wear light clothing while hiking or walking through tall grass, apply DEET-based insect repellent, check for ticks after exposure to wooded areas, and quickly remove ticks with tweezers.
Call Professional Pest Control Specialists From Nada Mosquito
For more answers to the question, “Are ticks attracted to certain blood types?” or to learn about the diseases from tick bites, call (732) 743-7129 and schedule service from Nada Mosquito today!