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Pacific coast tick

Pacific coast tick

Dermacentor occidentalis

A species of Dog ticks

The pacific coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis) is a human-biting tick that is often found in grasslands and shrublands. At all life stages, this tick can transmit Rock Mountain spotted fever to humans, dogs, and cats. Additionally, it has been known to cause tick bite paralysis for cows, deer, and ponies.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
Does Pacific coast tick consume human blood?
Hematophagy
How Does the Pacific coast tick Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Pacific coast tick
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Attributes of Pacific coast tick
Biting/stinging
The Pacific coast tick may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Pacific coast tick
They are the most common tick found nearly throughout California but are easily confused with other less common Dermacentor ticks found along the western coastal regions of the U.S.
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Distribution Area of Pacific coast tick
California
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Adult Size of Pacific coast tick
1.4 - 5 mm
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Predators of Pacific coast tick Larvae
Amphibians, ants, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Pacific coast tick
Birds, rodents, opossums
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Scientific Classification of Pacific coast tick
Tips for Finding Pacific coast tick
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Youth Habitat of Pacific coast tick
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Pacific coast tick
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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How Can You Attract Pacific coast tick
Mammalian blood is the primary food source for all stages of pacific coast tick, so traps often use carbon dioxide, heat, or chemical attractants to mimic the presence of a host.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Pacific coast tick
The most suitable time to find pacific coast tick tends to be during the warmer months of the year when they are most active; however, immature stages may be found in spring or early fall.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Pacific coast tick
Pacific coast tick prefer humid conditions with mild temperatures, usually avoiding extremely hot or cold weather. They are most likely to be found in the environment during and after periods of high humidity, which is essential for their survival outside of a host.
Are Pacific coast tick harmful?
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The pacific coast tick carries pathogens that can infect other creatures and could potentially lead to disease. It is dangerous to humans, pets, or plants.

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Are Pacific coast tick harmful to humans?

Pacific coast tick will be attached to people, because people will not feel obvious when biting, so it is difficult to find. Pacific coast tick feeds on blood and spreads diseases.
Harmful Effects of Pacific coast tick
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Bite Humans
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Pathogenic
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Hematophagy
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Bite Humans

Pacific coast tick typically bites humans when searching for blood meals during its adult and nymph stages. These ticks attach to the skin, cut through the surface, and insert their feeding tube to slowly suck blood, which can lead to mild to severe allergic reactions or transmit diseases.

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Cause Disease in Humans

Pacific coast tick, a species of tick, is a vector that can transmit diseases to humans via bites. Most notably, it can transmit tularemia and cause tick-bite paralysis. Humans bitten by pacific coast tick may experience skin rashes, fever, headaches, or paralysis. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent severe and sometimes long-lasting health issues.

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Does Pacific coast tick consume human blood?

Pacific coast tick engages in hematophagy, exclusively feeding on the blood from hosts like humans and pets via specialized mouthparts. The feeding can transmit pathogens, affecting host health with diseases like tularemia. This behavior is primarily for nourishment and reproduction.

More Effects of Pacific coast tick

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