Think you've spotted a tick? These notorious arachnids are tiny spider relatives, not insects. They are experts at spreading diseases. They can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and over a dozen other serious illnesses.
But several lookalikes might be fooling you, including:
- Spider beetles: These unique insects have a round shape, resembling engorged ticks. They don't have the specialized hypostome. This is the harpoon-like mouthpart that ticks use to anchor themselves while feeding.
- Weevils: The black vine weevil has a teardrop shape and a dark exoskeleton. Unlike ticks' eight legs, weevils sport the classic insect six.
- Mites: Mites share the same arachnid family tree as ticks, complete with eight legs and a similar body structure. Clover mites are rusty-red and look a lot like unfed deer ticks.
Do ticks look like bed bugs?
Both ticks and bed bugs are blood-feeding parasites, but they look quite different.
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Bed bugs have a flat, oval-shaped body and are typically reddish-brown in color. They lack the hard shield-like plate found on a tick's back. Their mahogany-brown exoskeletons do not have the tough scutum (shield) that protects ticks. After feeding, they simply become longer, not balloon-like.
Ticks have a rounded body. They get bigger after feeding, and their color can change based on the species. Their teardrop bodies can expand up to 10 times their original size when engorged.
Different species show different colors. Deer ticks are reddish-brown, and dog ticks have mottled brown patterns with white markings.
Get Rid of Insects With Professional Help
Don't let these tiny terrors take hold. If you don't know what insect or spider you've found, it's best to call a pest control expert for help.
DIY methods like essential oils might not offer enough protection. They can also be unsafe if used the wrong way. So reach out to our certified technicians for a thorough inspection and a science-based solution that really works.