
Dog Tick
Appearance
Small, round to teardrop-shaped with 8 legs and a protruding head
Color
Reddish brown to black
Size
5 millimeters
Habitat
In wooded areas, dense foliage, as well as attached to a host animal
Interesting Facts
After attaching themselves to a host, ticks secrete an anesthesia-type compound to prevent the host from knowing the tick is there, thus prolonging its feeding
About the Dog Tick
Dog ticks are three-host arachnids. Once a baby hatches, it attaches to a host and feeds, dropping off and molting afterward. The nymph will find another host, feed and drop off for a final molt into an adult.
As adults, a male and female will find a host. The male dies after mating, and the female drops off to lay approximately 4,000 eggs, perpetuating the cycle.
Ticks are parasites, and they are vectors of disease. After attaching to a host with its claws, it inserts its mouthparts to consume blood, growing in size and changing color slightly.
Dog Tick Control
Ticks can enter the indoors in a number of ways, attached to humans or pets. They live naturally outdoors, and if avoided, do not pose a significant threat. However, if you notice a tick indoors, you should follow proper removal practices.