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Ticks Have a Mouth Full of Hooks to Hang On

Their barbs help them burrow in for a three-day feast of blood

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



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As the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, hikers won’t be the only ones out on the trails. Ticks will be waiting, ready to hitch a ride and help themselves to a meal of blood. These tiny arachnids can spread infections such as Lyme disease when they latch onto their unsuspecting victims. Their bite is tenacious: they can spend three days feeding thanks to a mouth full of hooks that anchor them in an animal’s skin. Get an up-close look at these tiny barbs, and tips for thwarting them, in KQED Deep Look’s latest video.