Size
1/4”
Color
Brown
Description
Soft ticks are oval in shape and usually larger than hard ticks. They lack the hard shell on their bodies and from above you cannot see their mouthparts. Soft ticks often live in their host’s nest and bedding and females will lay her eggs in the host’s nest.
Like most ticks, the soft ticks can also transmit serious diseases and care must be taken when removing the tick. Use tweezers to pull out the mouthparts and do not squeeze the tick as this can push its fluids into your skin. Seek medical attention right away if you or your pets if you develop a rash around the tick bite, experience flu-like symptoms, numbness, tingling, weakness, paralysis, or feeling uncoordinated after a suspected tick bite.
Control Advice
Inspect yourself and your pets after exposure to a wooded area, sitting in the grass or raking leaves. When outdoors wear a hat, long sleeves and long pants in light colors so ticks are easier to find.
Active Seasons
Soft ticks are most active in spring and summer.
Photo courtesy of Mat Pound, USDA Agricultural Research Service.