Black-legged Tick (lxodes scapularis)
Black Legged Tick
photo source: CDC
Engorged deer tick
The Black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick) is found throughout the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. It transmits Lyme Disease and other tick-borne co-infections like Babesia, Anaplasmosis and Powassan Disease. Lyme Disease transmission can occur as long as ticks are active, which is usually from early spring to late fall. However, adult ticks may be out any time during the winter, if the temperatures are above freezing. The adult female deer tick is about 3.5mm long and an adult male is slightly smaller. Nymphs are much smaller than adult deer ticks, at about 1.5mm (or the size of a poppy seed) and consequently more difficult to spot and remove.
Lone Star Tick (amblyomma americanum)
Lone Star Tick
photo source: CDC
The Lone Star tick is found throughout the southeastern and eastern United States. It transmits Ehrlichia, Tularemia and STARI. It is also suspected of carrying Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or “lone star” on her back. These ticks are very aggressive and are known to move long distances in pursuit of a host.
American Dog Tick (dermacentor variabilis)
American Dog Tick
photo source: CDC
The American Dog tick is one of the most frequently encountered ticks. It is predominantly found east of the Rocky Mountains but has also been found in the eastern United States. Adult ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. Females have a large silver-colored spot behind the head and male ticks have fine silver lines on their backs.
