Denver Post Archives

APR 3 1965, MAY 4 1965 This little insect, ranging from the size of a pinhead to half an inch, has a big bite. He's a wood tick. For an idea of his size, the object at the left is the tip of a lead pencil. But don't let the wood tick's size fool you. His bite can cause Colo­rado tick fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, sometimes death. This is the tick season in Colorado, and you should be alert for this tiny bug, especially in grassy and bushy areas. The tick attaches himself to the skin. It takes the tick about two hours to pierce the skin, seeking a blood meal. Wearing of proper clothing, particularly covering the legs, will prevent tick bite. On return from a potential tick area, examine the body for any signs of ticks on the skin. If a tick is attached to the body, pull gently or use hot metal or cigarette to make tick back out. If the tick cannot be removed, see a physician. Credit: Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images)