You can find the American dog tick almost anywhere in the United States, and as with any tick these days, they’re very dangerous. Known to carry conditions like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia, understanding how to keep them out of your yard and off of you is an absolute must.

It’s a Timing Issue

Adults, both males and females, become active as early as March or April, and they’re typically active until mid August. The nymphs, though, become active in May and work through July. The larvae are active from late April through September. Understanding what you may be facing, can help prevent tick bites while you’re out.

Identifying the Dog Tick

An American Dog Tick is typically a reddish-brown color. It usually has white or yellow markings on its back, and can range from 1/8 of an inch in length up to 1/2 inch. The females tend to be larger, and they grow after a blood meal. As with any other arachnid, dog ticks have eight legs.

Staying Away From Them

Ticks have to feed off of other animals, including people, and they can detect places where animals might be, thanks to the smell of body heat. They will identify trails and other areas where mammals frequent, crawl up a stick or tall piece of grass, then grab the first thing that comes by. While this is often a mouse, squirrel, rabbit, or other wildlife, it could just as easily be you or your pet. The farther along the life-cycle a tick is, the bigger the host must be. The tick will then drink its fill, often sticking around for up to four days, then drop off the host.  Adult ticks can live for up to two years without a blood meal.

Preventing the Problem

There are only a few things you can do to prevent tick problems. Start by being aware of your surroundings. If you’re going hiking, biking, or even picnicking, be sure you wear long pants and long sleeves. You’ll also want to utilize an insect repellent that contains Deet.

If you’re in your own outdoor living space, there are a number of other things you can do, including exclusionary tactics. Give us a call today to learn more about dog ticks, and the removal of dog ticks within your space.