How to Get Rid of Turkey Ticks

Turkey ticks, also called turkey mites and seed ticks, are actually just lone star ticks in larvae form 1. They are less than one millimeter in size and have only six legs, instead of the eight legs of the full grown tick 1. The female tick hatches the turkey ticks and they attach onto a host, sucking blood and gaining strength until they become large enough for the next stage 1. They fall off the host by themselves after anywhere from a couple hours to a day, but they still cause itching and rashes. With some knowledge on how to get rid of them you can protect yourself from the turkey ticks and full grown ticks alike.

Check yourself and others in your home for the turkey ticks. They are so small that they only look like freckles. A magnifying glass may help in this task.

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Wash with lice shampoo to kill the turkey ticks on your body. Then allow your skin to dry and rub the shampoo on your skin again, treating it like a lotion. This will help your itching as well as take care of any leftover ticks 1.

Clean your home to prevent the turkey mites from growing any larger. They drop off once they are fed and do not attach onto anything until another host comes along so they are easy to simply vacuum. Wash your sheets in hot water and vacuum as much of your house as possible.

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Eliminate the full grown ticks as they are the source of turkey ticks. Check yourself and your pets often for ticks. Apply a pesticide made for ticks outdoors to the perimeter of your home, your lawn and any areas that your pets frequent 1. Also apply to any areas that are protected enough for the female to lay eggs including under ground covers, in the cracks of patios and driveways and under shrubbery.

Tips

Apply the lice shampoo again if the itching persists. Seek medical attention if it will simply not go away.

Warnings

While applying pesticides, wear protective clothing and follow the directions on the package.