American Dog Tick

Dermacentor variabilis

Color: Reddish Brown, White spots

Size: 3 – 5 mm

Shape: Oval and flattened

Nutrition: Bloodsucking

Habitat: North America

Gary O. Maupin, CDC - This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #170.

General Behavior

For feeding, larvae and nymphs prefer small mammals, while adults prefer larger mammals such as dogs, deer and humans.

It is widespread in woodland, paths, grassy areas.

They need a host to live at each stage of their development.

They are most active in spring and summer.

Threats

They transmit RMSF (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and Tularemia.

Their bites cause itching, redness and irritation.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Pets should be checked for ticks.

Ticks attached to the skin are seen.

After the bite; symptoms such as fever, rash, flu may indicate a tick bite.

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