Main points
- Ticks range in size from tiny (0.5 mm) to engorged (1 cm) and can be brown, reddish, or bluish-grey
- They hide in bushland, grassy areas, gardens, humid places and warm spots on the body
- Notable species are the Paralysis Tick, Brown Dog Tick, Bush Tick, and Cattle Tick
Ticks are tiny but fascinating creatures that play a role in our broader ecosystem. However, their bites can be nasty, and in some cases, a serious health risk. Learning to recognise these small parasites is an empowering step towards enjoying the outdoors safely. Confidently spot and manage ticks before they become a problem.
How to Identify a Tick: Size, Colour, Shape
Ticks in Australia come in different sizes, shapes, and colours depending on species and life stage. Ticks are transformers; a tick will look different at different stages in their lifecycle. Here’s what to look for:
Size
- Larvae (Baby Ticks): approx 0.5 mm, almost invisible to the naked eye
- Nymphs (Juvenile Ticks): approx 1-2 mm, resembling tiny specks
- Adult Ticks: from 3-10 mm, depending on whether they’ve fed
- Engorged Ticks: can grow up to 1 cm after feeding
Colour
- Ticks can appear brown, reddish-brown, grey, or even bluish-grey when engorged
- Some species display distinct markings or patterns, helping in identification
Shape
- Before feeding, ticks are flat and oval-shaped
- Once engorged, they appear round and swollen
- They have eight legs (as nymphs and adults) and a small head with mouthparts designed for attachment and feeding
Where They Hide: In the Environment and On Your Body
Understanding their hiding places is key to avoiding unwanted bites. Ticks prefer warm, hidden areas, outside and on your body! So always check yourself thoroughly after spending time outdoors.
Outside
- Ticks love bushland, tall grasses, and dense vegetation
- They wait in leaf litter, shrubs, and tree bark for a passing host
- Gardens with overgrown plants, watch for overgrown pathways
- Humid and sheltered spots can harbour ticks
On Your Body
- Scalp and hairline
- Behind ears and neck
- Armpits and groin
- Behind knees and between your toes
Common Tick Species Found in Australia
Australia is home to several tick species, but some are more pressing to watch out for. Here are the 4 key types to be aware of:
1. Australian Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus)
- Found along the eastern coast of Australia
- Known for causing tick paralysis in pets and allergic reactions in humans
- Easily identified by its pale grey-blue body when engorged
2. Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
- More common in warmer regions of Australia
- Primarily a problem for dogs, though it can bite humans
- Reddish-brown in colour and thrives in kennels and homes
3. Bush Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)
- Found in eastern and rural Australia
- Primarily affects livestock but can bite humans
- Brown and flat-bodied before feeding
4. Cattle Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus)
- Common in northern and eastern Australia
- Primarily infests cattle and livestock but can bite humans
- Small, brown, and round-bodied
What to Do If You Find Ticks
If you find a tick on yourself, a pet, or a loved one, stay calm! Do not irritate or squeeze the tick. Removing ticks safely and effectively is simple with the right approach. Learn how to safely remove a tick here.
If you find ticks crawling freely on your clothes, your pets, or around your home, it’s important to kill it to prevent any bites and infestations. Here are a few methods you can use:
- Place the tick in a sealed bag and put it in the freezer for a few hours
- Submerge the tick in rubbing alcohol, ethanol, or boiling water
- Chemicals designed to kill ticks can be found in various forms such as sprays, powders, or aerosols. Always follow manufacturer instructions, and consider the impact of harsh chemicals on the environment and your health
- Apply a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender oil directly on the tick. Just be careful because the effectiveness of this method is unconfirmed
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth powder around tick hideouts to dehydrate and kill them. Exercise caution as the effectiveness of this method is unconfirmed
Always dispose of the dead tick in a sealed bag and put it in the bin.
Take Home
A little awareness goes a long way in keeping safe from tick bites! Identify likely hiding places when in the great outdoors and in your own garden. Conduct regular tick checks and confidently spot and manage ticks before they become a problem.
Learn more about tick-related diseases here and read about tick infestations in your home here
If you have a question or if you’d like to share your experience, leave a comment below!
