Bugs That Look Like Ticks: Identification Tips and Health Risks

Bugs Commonly Mistaken for Ticks

Many different bugs are often confused with ticks due to their similar size, shape, and coloring. However, it's important to be able to distinguish ticks from lookalikes. Ticks are arachnids that feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases, while other bugs may simply be a nuisance.

Spider Beetles

Spider beetles are small beetles that have rounded bodies and six legs. At first glance, their dark brown coloring and size could lead them to be mistaken for ticks. However, spider beetles do not feed on blood or bite humans.

Some key ways to differentiate spider beetles from ticks:

• Spider beetles have antennae, which ticks lack
• They have a rounded body versus the flat oval shape of a tick
• They have six legs rather than a tick's eight legs

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood. They prefer to feed on humans while they sleep. When engorged after feeding, newly hatched bed bugs could potentially be mistaken for ticks due to their coloring and size.

Ways bed bugs differ from ticks:

• Bed bugs have six legs; ticks have eight legs
• They lack antennae which ticks have
• They have a more oval, flattened body shape

Fleas

Fleas are tiny wingless parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their hosts, primarily cats, dogs, and humans. They have laterally flattened bodies, allowing them to move quickly through fur and hair. Without magnification, fleas could possibly resemble ticks.

Some differences to note:

• Fleas have six legs and lack antennae, while ticks have eight legs and antennae
• Ticks attach themselves to hosts for several days, whereas fleas jump quickly between hosts to feed
• Fleas lack the hard shielding on their backs that ticks have

How to Determine if it's a Tick

To determine if an insect is a tick, use these identifying features:

• Eight legs - Ticks are arachnids, so like all arachnids they have eight legs
• Oval body shape - A tick's body is oval shaped when not engorged with blood
• Hard shielding on back - Ticks have a hardened shield on their upper body near the head
• Visible mouthparts - The tick's feeding apparatus can usually be spotted near the front legs
• No antennae - Ticks do not have antennae
• Attached - Ticks attach themselves to the host to feed for several days

Use a Magnifying Glass

Since ticks are very small, especially in their nymph stage, use a magnifying glass or magnified smartphone photo to inspect the insect and ensure it has the necessary tick features. If you are still unsure, capture it for identification. Place clear tape over the bug, then fold the tape adhesive sides together to seal the insect inside. This can then be used for diagnosis by a medical professional.

Take Note of Any Recognizable Markings

There are different kinds of ticks, so if possible, note any distinctive markings or color patterns before sealing it away for diagnosis. The most common ticks are deer ticks and dog ticks. Deer tick females have a distinctive red body with black markings. Being able to identify the type of tick can be useful for understanding what potential diseases you were exposed to.

Potential Problems from Tick Bites

While the majority of ticks do not carry pathogens, ticks are still dangerous vectors of disease transmission that should not be taken lightly. Here are some of the potential problems a tick bite can lead to:

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected deer ticks in the nymph or adult stage. Early stage Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, it can progress to cause muscle and joint pain, neurological problems and heart palpitations.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites, primarily by deer ticks. Symptoms are similar to Lyme disease: chills, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, cough and confusion.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Most U.S. cases come through the bite of deer ticks. Severe cases cause hemolytic anemia, which can be life-threatening.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This bacterial disease is transmitted through the bite of infected dog ticks. Without treatment it can be rapidly fatal. Symptoms include high fever, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.

Tularemia

Tularemia or 'rabbit fever' is caused by the highly infectious Francisella tularensis bacteria. Infected deer ticks, dog ticks and wood ticks can all transmit tularemia through their bite.

Alpha-gal Syndrome

The Lone Star tick can cause some people to develop alpha-gal syndrome, which is an allergy to red meat such as beef, pork or lamb. Reactions can be mild to life-threateningly severe.

When to See Your Doctor After a Tick Bite

Monitor yourself and your family members carefully in the days following any tick bite. You should consult your doctor promptly if any of the following occur:

• A rash appears near the bite location, especially one resembling a bullseye or target
• Flu-like symptoms emerge such as high fever, body aches or fatigue
• You experience headaches, joint swelling or muscle pains
• Any neurological issues arise like tingling, numbness or paralysis

Visiting your doctor shortly after noticing symptoms can be crucial. Many tick-borne diseases respond best to antibiotics and treatments when addressed quickly.

In some cases, your doctor may want to prescribe you prophylactic antibiotics after a tick bite as a precaution, even if you are not displaying any initial symptoms yet.

Testing the Tick

Your doctor may also have the ability to test the tick itself that bit you to see if it is carrying any pathogens. This allows you to find out if you have likely been exposed to Lyme disease or other tick-transmitted infections.

Blood Tests

If you have already begun showing symptoms of a tick-borne illness, your doctor can order blood tests to check for antibodies related to certain diseases. These tests usually cannot detect Lyme disease or similar infections immediately after tick exposure though. The body needs time to develop antibodies, so early blood screenings might come back falsely negative.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.