Tick-borne diseases are a growing concern for pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From Lyme disease to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, knowing which ticks to watch out for can be a lifesaver.
If you’ve ever found a tick clinging to your skin after a hike or a romp in tall grass, you’re not alone. These tiny critters are more than just a nuisance — they’re also potential carriers of serious diseases.
Common Tick Species in North America
There are many different types of ticks in North America, and knowing which ones you’re most likely to encounter can help you stay safe. Let’s break down some of the most common (and troublesome) ticks in the region.
1. Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
Blacklegged tick is infamous for spreading Lyme disease, which can cause fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues. These ticks are mainly found in the eastern United States and prefer wooded or grassy areas, where they latch onto animals like deer and mice during their life stages.
2. Lone Star Tick
Lone star tick can transmit ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that makes people allergic to red meat. They’re mainly found in the southeastern and eastern U.S., with adult female ticks easily spotted thanks to a white ‘lone star’ dot on their backs.
The Lonestar tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is a species of hard tick native to the southern United States.
It is known for transmitting diseases such as Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) and Bourbon virus.
The Lonestar tick's bite can also cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported cases of tick-borne illnesses has increased in recent years.
In 2020, there were over 30,000 reported cases of tick-borne diseases in the US.
3. American Dog Tick
American dog tick also spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These ticks thrive in grassy areas, are common in the eastern U.S., but only occur in limited areas along the Pacific coast. Adult ticks feed on large mammals, including humans.
4. Brown Dog Tick
Brown dog tick prefers dogs but will bite humans if their preferred host isn’t around. Unlike many other ticks, brown dog ticks can complete their entire life cycle indoors, making infestations especially tricky. They’re known to spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
5. Gulf Coast Tick
Gulf Coast tick is found along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, transmitting Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a spotted fever similar to RMSF. Adult ticks feed on deer and other large animals but don’t mind latching onto people either.
6. Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Rocky Mountain wood tick lives mostly in the Rocky Mountain states, transmitting Colorado tick fever virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis. The adult female is the main biter of humans, with the tick most active in spring and early summer.
The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is a species of tick found in western North America.
These ticks are known for transmitting diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), anaplasmosis, and tularemia.
They typically feed on the blood of small mammals like deer and elk but can also attach to humans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RMSF is fatal if left untreated in 20-30% of cases.
Preventing tick bites through protective clothing and repellents is essential, especially during peak season from April to September.
7. Western Blacklegged Tick
Western blacklegged tick is a West Coast cousin of the deer tick, also carrying Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Known scientifically as Ixodes pacificus, it shares similar habitats with its eastern counterpart, favoring forests and leaf litter.
8. Soft Ticks
Soft ticks have a leathery, wrinkled look and don’t have a hard shield, living in rodent nests or rustic cabins. Some soft ticks can transmit tick-borne relapsing fever, especially in western states.
9. Asian Longhorned Tick
Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species reproducing without mating and rapidly spreading in the U.S., carrying heartland virus disease, Powassan virus disease, and Theileria. Adult ticks feed on a variety of hosts, making them a serious concern for disease control experts.
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive species native to 'Asia' , first detected in the United States in 2017.
This tick is known for its distinctive horn-like protrusions on its back and can feed on various hosts, including humans, animals, and birds.
The Asian longhorned tick has been linked to several diseases, such as anemia, fever, and paralysis, and can also transmit bacteria that cause 'Lyme disease' and other tick-borne illnesses.
10. Groundhog Tick
Groundhog tick prefers groundhogs and skunks but will bite humans when their primary hosts are scarce. It’s a known carrier of Powassan virus, a rare but serious disease affecting the brain.
- howstuffworks.com | 10 Types of Ticks for You and Your Pets to Avoid
