Tick Facts & Identification

Ticks are parasites that are capable of transmitting disease when biting and feeding off its host. Leeches are also bloodsuckers but they don’t bite. Leeches attach themselves only to feed until they are full.

Wood ticks feed from early spring to summer and can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Both males and female ticks feed on blood and blood is necessary for reproduction. Wood ticks also spread other tick-borne disease.

Dog ticks are some of the most common ticks in the world and prefer the domestic dog as a host. Unique is the ability to live indoors their entire lives. The two types are American dog tick and brown dog tick.

Cats are potential hosts for ticks. After time spent outdoors, an owner should check and brush their pet. Ticks can pass disease like rabbit fever and infectious anemia. Carefully remove any ticks, and visit a vet if needed.

Ticks are extremely small but manage their way onto humans and pets. If bitten, take care in how its removed as they carry disease. Grasp it below the head with a pair of tweezers and pull back to remove the entire tick.

Ticks are considered arachnids and have hard or soft bodies. Hard ticks have a shield covering most of the body. Soft ticks have a leathery exoskeleton. They target different hosts, but both can carry a number of diseases.

Colorado tick fever is transmitted by infected wood ticks. The disease has multiple stages and can be very painful. The ticks emerge in the cooler fall and attach themselves to a host. If bitten, seek medical attention.

Moose ticks are winter ticks that pose a serious threat to moose, deer, and other ungulates. They hatch in fall, feed all winter, and lay eggs in spring. These ticks are a serious threat and can decimate moose populations.

Ticks are flat, small, blood-sucking insects that have a hard or soft exoskeleton. They engorge themselves when feeding on the blood of a host. Hosts include humans and larger animals. Inspections when outdoors are advised.