Black-Legged Tick

Ixodes scapularis

Color: Dark Brown

Size: 2 – 5 mm

Shape: Flat and oval

Nutrition: Bloodsucking

Habitat: Eastern and central parts of North America

By Photo by Scott Bauer. - This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID k8002-3 (next)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=363940

General Behavior

They prefer to live in forests, meadows and thickets

It climbs plants and clings to passing hosts.

The life cycle is biennial. Active in fall and early spring.

It lays eggs in moist and sheltered areas.

Threats

It is the main cause of Lyme disease transmission. It takes 24-48 hours for the tick to transmit the disease.

They cause Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan virus.

Their bites are painless. There is local redness, itching or swelling.

Some individuals may have an allergic reaction.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Visible Ticks

Bites

Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness

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