Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that pose a significant risk to both humans and animals due to their ability to transmit various diseases. With over 800 species of ticks worldwide, it’s essential to understand the types of ticks most commonly encountered in the United States, their habitats, and the threats they pose.
How Many Types of Ticks Are There?
Globally, there are more than 800 species of ticks, but only a few are commonly found in North America. These ticks belong to two main families: Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). Hard ticks are more common and are known for their tough outer shell, while soft ticks have a more leathery appearance. In the U.S., about 90 species of ticks have been identified, but only a handful are frequently encountered by people and pets.
What Are the Different Types of Ticks?
Among the numerous species of ticks, some of the most common and concerning types in North America include the following:- Black-legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): Also called the deer tick, this tick is primarily found in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. It is the main carrier of Lyme disease, as well as other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis. The black-legged tick is small, with a reddish body and dark legs, making it hard to spot on both animals and humans.
- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): This tick is distributed across the eastern United States and can also be found in parts of the west. It is a known carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. The American dog tick is larger than many other species and has a distinctive, ornate scutum (the hard shield-like part of its back).
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): Predominantly found in the southeastern and eastern United States, the lone star tick is recognized by the white dot on the back of the female. This tick can transmit several diseases, including ehrlichiosis and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). It’s also linked to alpha-gal syndrome, which causes an allergy to red meat.
- Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): The brown dog tick’s unique feature is that it can complete its entire life cycle indoors. It is found throughout the United States and can infest homes, kennels, and other places where dogs are present. This tick can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever in certain regions.
- Western Black-legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus): Similar to the black-legged tick, this species is found along the Pacific coast, particularly in California. It also carries Lyme disease, along with anaplasmosis. The western black-legged tick prefers cooler, humid environments like coastal forests.
Where Do These Ticks Live?
Each type of tick has specific habitats where it thrives. Black-legged ticks, for instance, prefer wooded areas with dense underbrush, where they can easily find hosts such as deer and small mammals. American dog ticks are often found in grassy fields and along trails, making them a common sight in recreational areas. Lone star ticks favor wooded areas and are commonly found in the southeastern U.S., while brown dog ticks are more adaptable and can live indoors, particularly in places where dogs are present. The western black-legged tick is typically found in coastal regions with high humidity, such as the forests of northern California.
What Are the Types of Ticks and the Diseases They Carry?
- Black-legged Tick: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis
- American Dog Tick: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia
- Lone Star Tick: Ehrlichiosis, STARI, alpha-gal syndrome
- Brown Dog Tick: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (in some regions)
- Western Black-legged Tick: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis
| Myth | Fact |
| All ticks carry Lyme disease. | Only specific types, like the black-legged tick, carry Lyme disease. |
| Ticks are only a problem in the summer. | Ticks can be active in cooler months, especially in mild climates. |
| You can burn a tick to remove it. | Burning a tick is dangerous and ineffective; use tweezers to remove it. |
| All ticks are large and easy to spot. | Many ticks, like the black-legged tick, are small and can be hard to see. |
| Ticks only live in rural areas. | Ticks can be found in urban parks, gardens, and even inside homes. |
