Pest Facts: Brown Dog Tick
Description
This tick gets its common name from its overall reddish brown color and that it is common on dogs. This tick is the most commonly encountered tick indoors, but it rarely attacks man.
Pest Facts
- Color: Reddish-brown, engorged females – grayish-blue
- Legs: Eight
- Shape: Small, flat
- Size: 1/8 to 1/2 inch
- Antennae: No
- Flying: No
- Region: All 50 states
Habits:
Engorged female ticks, once off the host, will lay 1,000 to 3,000 eggs. The females will die after laying her eggs, but can survive up to 8 months without food and water. Although dogs are the preferred host, they will feed on other mammals including any domestic animal and humans.
Habitat
The brown dog tick lives primarily indoors and does not do well outdoors. They prefer warm, dry conditions where dogs live. They do not travel far after engorgement and dropping off the host. Brown Dog Ticks may attach themselves anywhere on the dog host.
Threats
Ticks serve as vectors of several important diseases affecting humans including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Prevention
It is critical to keep the home clean and free of debris particularly in areas where the pet rests or sleeps. Pay attention to the pet bedding and resting areas. Always have the infested pet treated by a licensed veterinarian on or before the day of treatment.
