American Dog Ticks

The American dog tick is the largest of the eastern wood ticks. Ticks are parasites, and they must find a mammal host for blood. American Dog Ticks will feed on humans and medium to large mammals such as raccoons and dogs. American Dog Ticks are not easily injured and have few predators. They can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Protect yourself and your family by contacting us for tick control services.

Size	1/8 - 1/4 in.
Color	Reddish brown
Body Structure	Flat body with eight legs.
Characteristics	Female adults when fully gorged with host blood may produce as many as 500,000 eggs, laying them in secluded cracks and crevices. The female coats the eggs in a secretion to keep them from drying out, and then dies after completing this process, which may take as long as 15 days. When the eggs hatch, the larva go in search of food, gorging themselves on a host until molting, upon which they enter the nymph stage. Here again, nymphs will seek a new host, gorging themselves on blood until molting and emerging as an adult.
Habitat & Behavior	In the wild, these ticks can be found residing on tall grasses or vegetation, where they wait to attach themselves to a passing mammalian host. Initially infestation may go undetected. Like its counterparts, this tick is also a vector pest, capable of transmitting disease, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Commonly Active	Spring / Summer / Fall
Prevention & Treatment	Checking pets and their sleeping areas for ticks is a good preventative measure. Likewise, if spending time outdoors, spraying your clothes and shoes with a pest repellent containing DEET will help protect you from the parasites. If you suspect an infestation in your home, refrain from do-it-yourself treatments. Contact a pest control professional to inspect your home and implement a proper course of treatment.