SOUTH REGIONAL TICK INFORMATION
Education and timely removal are key in preventing tick-borne disease transmission. Read on to learn more.
See Our Tick Identification Guide!
Black Legged Tick (aka Deer Tick) (I. scapularis): Classified as a ‘‘three-host tick” (larvae, nymphs and adults can feed), the deer tick requires one vertebrate blood meal for development. They are commonly found in New England, mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, and southeastern states. These ticks are typically found where white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, fox, the white-footed mouse, chipmunks, and similar animals roam, including brushy, tall grass areas. Larvae and nymphs feed primarily on small mammals, including the white-footed mouse. Adults feed on larger mammals including the popular carrier the white-tailed deer. Larvae will appear in May; adult ticks become active in October and remain active through the winter months proving the ground is not frozen.
Tick-borne diseases related to the Deer Tick include Lyme disease, Human Babesiosis, Babesia microti (human Ehrlichiosis), and tick-borne encephalitis.
American Dog Tick (aka Wood Tick) (Dermacentor variabilis): Classified as a ‘‘three-host tick” (larvae, nymphs and adults can feed), the American Dog Tick is commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains. This area begins at the eastern borders of Montana and Wyoming, and spans the remainder of the entire United States, to the eastern coast. Also included is the western coast of California. They may also be found in parts of Canada and Mexico. This tick prefers overgrown areas that include tall grass, wetlands, waste fields, low lying brush, trails such as walking and hiking paths, and wooded areas. Larvae and nymphs prefer to feed on small rodents such as mice and squirrels; adults feed on larger mammals such as dogs, cattle, and deer. The activity period is April through September.
Tick-borne diseases related to the American Dog Tick include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) Classified as a ‘‘three-host tick” (larvae, nymphs and adults can feed), the Lone Star Tick is commonly found in the southeastern U.S., the eastern U.S. and in parts of the Plains. This tick can be found in dense as well as wooded areas, including hedges, and areas near water. They may also be found in forests, meadows, and fields.
Larvae and nymphs prefer to feed on small mammals and birds; adults feed on larger mammals such as dogs, cattle, deer, goats, sheep, etc. The primary active period is May through August.
Tick-borne diseases related to the Lone Star Tick include Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and tularemia.
Brown Dog Tick – aka Kennel Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): A ‘‘three-host tick” (larvae, nymphs and adults can feed), the Brown Dog tick is commonly found throughout the United States. In fact, it is actually classified as one of the most widely distributed ticks in the U.S., and, as an ‘exclusive’ parasite to dogs. Learn more here. These ticks are not home-friendly. They can be found in baseboards, under windows, door frames, furniture, as well as carpeting and walls. Infestation can occur rapidly, so timely, professional action is a necessity. The primary host choice for feeding are domestic dogs. These ticks are active all year long.
Tick-borne diseases related to the Brown Dog Tick include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine Ehrlichiosis, and canine Babesiosis. The Brown Dog tick does not transmit Lyme disease. Did you know….they can also infest your home? Learn more here.
Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum): A ‘‘three-host tick” (larvae, nymphs and adults can feed). Historically located in the southeastern states of the U.S., the Gulf Coast tick has also been reported throughout North and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Learn more here.
They can be found in brushy areas, grassland prairies, edges of wooded areas including hiking or walking paths, in additional to areas where wildlife roam. Larvae and nymphs hosts of choice are various birds and small mammals. Adult ticks prefer large, wild and domestic mammals, including white-tailed deer, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, coyotes, dogs, cats, among other animals. Some are active in spring, peaking in September. Yet some populations in Oklahoma and Kansas are active into the winter months, peaking in April.
Tick-borne diseases related to the Gulf Coast Tick include Rocky Mountain Fever, Canine Hepatozoonosis, Leptospirosis, Ehrlichia, and Tick Paralysis.
Immediate tick removal is crucial to prevention of tick-borne disease transfer. You generally have approximately twenty-four to thirty-six hours to remove a tick before most blood feeding occurs. Be prepared for immediate and safe tick removal – on the spot – without the risk of human contact! Slip your lightweight (1 oz.) TickZapper® into your pocket, purse or backpack on the way out the door!
