icks are small arachnids that can carry and transmit diseases to both humans and animals. The most infamous of these illnesses is Lyme Disease. Identifying ticks in your home is important in order to protect yourself and your family from the potential dangers they pose. Let’s look at the different types of ticks, why they are dangerous, what to do if you find them in your home, how to remove ticks from your body, and finally, how to prevent ticks from entering your home in the first place.
Types of Ticks You Can Find in Your Home
There are several species of ticks, but the most common types found in homes are the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), the dog tick, and the brown dog tick. Each species has unique physical characteristics, but they all share the ability to latch onto hosts and feed on blood. (1)
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- Black-legged Ticks: Also known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks: Dog ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks: As the name suggests, brown dog ticks are brown in color and have a slender body. They are commonly found in homes and can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
