Be On The Lookout, A New Type Of Tick Has Been Spotted In Arkansas
By Melanie Johnson|Published February 23, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
As the weather warms up, you’re probably planning your treks for the year. And while you hike through the grassy trails, you’ll encounter those bloodsucking critters – ticks. While Arkansas is known for a few species of ticks, like the dog and rabbit tick, there’s a new species that is becoming invasive. The Asian longhorned tick aka Haemaphysalis longicorn is a parasite native to, you guessed it, Asia, that has now set its sights on America. So, keep your eyes peeled for these Asian longhorned ticks in Arkansas this year.
Spring is the time when we love to explore our gorgeous state. The pleasant weather is also the start of tick season in the area.
From April to October, you’ll spot these critters in our parks as well as throughout the wooded and grassy regions in Arkansas.
Of course, ticks are not foreign to us as we have dealt with them forever. These 8-legged critters will bite and attach themselves to any living animal they come across.
In some cases, the ticks can transmit diseases, so it’s best to take the proper precaution when you encounter these parasites. While ticks are not new to our outdoor spaces, there is a new species on the scene.
Since 2018, the Asian longhorned ticks has been spotted in Arkansas. These ticks were first found in New Jersey in 2017 and have since spread to over 15 states.
If you’re wondering how to identify them, they are dark, reddish-brown with no unique markings.
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These blood feeding bugs that are typically found in China, Japan, Korea, as well as Australia and New Zealand, have been known to spread diseases to both humans and animals.
And the bad news is, the females can reproduce thousands of eggs asexually - no mating needed. So, the potential for an uncontrolled infestation of these pests is highly likely.
Since the experts have not figured out how to eradicate these parasites, take your own precautions. Always stay on marked trails, wear proper clothing, and check them for the critters after every hike.
