Size
1/8”-1/2”
Color
Brown, Black and Red
Description
The female Black-legged Tick has a red and brown body while the male is smaller and has a darker body. The Black-legged Tick lives for 2 to 3 years. A larval tick will hatch and feed on small rodents from May through September then drop to the ground where it will lie dormant until spring. It emerges as a nymph in spring and summer when it feeds then drops to the ground again. In fall it emerges as an adult and feeds again. It will feed on animals or humans at all stages.
The Black-legged Tick can carry Lyme disease. If it is infected with Lyme disease when it feeds at any stage it can pass it on to a human.
Control Advice
Ticks attach to their hosts by clinging to them from the ground and climb up looking for a hidden place to attach. Wear long pants tucked into socks and long sleeves when hiking in woods or working outdoors. Check clothing and skin carefully and remove any ticks right away.
Active Seasons
Active in all seasons.