Bug or Parasite?

by Charlotte Oliver
(Abu Dhabi U.A.E)

Types of Ticks

I found a bug crawling on the kitchen floor today near my dog's drinking bowl and food. It has a tear shaped body and is brown all over with eight legs.

What kind of bug or parasite is it?

Hi Charlotte,

How large is this bug? Is it tiny like a flea? A bit larger like a tick? Quite large like a cockroach?

If you could provide a bit more detail I may be able to help you figure out what kind of bug or parasite this could be.

At the top I've added a photo of different types of ticks from the CDC website. See if your visiting bug resembles any of those and let me know. :-)

~Angie

Comments for Bug or Parasite?

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Nov 01, 2010

Is it a tick?
by: Angie

Hi Heather,

Do you know what ticks look like when they are embedded into a person or pet? It's possible it could be a tick, even if you've been using tick medicine.

One way you can test is to apply some tea tree oil to the black ovals and see if it effects them (like shriveling up a bit). If so, you can then pull them out with tweezers.

If the tea tree doesn't affect them and they are not actually ticks or another type of bug, they may be some type of skin tag, like a cyst or growth.

Why not take your cat to the vet? That would be your best option to get peace of mind. Let us know what you find out.

Nov 01, 2010

What is on my cat??
by: Heather

On my cats neck is two oval black in color 'things' sticking to his neck. One slightly larger than the other. If you touch it you can move it any which way but its completly stuck to his neck. I think it needs to be cut off. He has always used front line or some sort of flea/tick medicine. So I dont believe its any of that, theres no legs or face that I can see unless the 'face' is the part that is burried in his neck. Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Apr 25, 2010

Identify The Bug
by: Angie

Hi Alyssa,

You can upload your photo here to see if anyone may recognize and identify the bug you are finding in your house. Just use the form provided.

Another idea, and something that may yield you better results, is to contact your local agricultural college or your local cooperative extension office and ask them to take a look.

I don't know where you are located, so I can't direct you to a specific office. You can Google your state and the words "cooperative extension" or "agricultural college" and see what you come up with.

Let us know what you find out.

Apr 25, 2010

What kind of bug is this??
by: Alyssa

I keep finding these little bugs throughout my house. It started with one on a towel, then a couple near the laundry, and then a few more near my dog's water/food dish (which is on a towel). I haven't noticed them biting anyone, including my dog and cat, but I have no idea what they are. Is there any where I can send a picture for someone to help me identify this bug? Thanks!

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