Blacklegged Ticks

What do blacklegged ticks look like?

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, come in different shapes and sizes depending on their life stage:

• Larvae: These six-legged, seed-sized ticks hatch from eggs. A blacklegged tick in this form is roughly the size of a poppy seed.
• Nymphs: Once they grow their final pair of legs, nymphs have eight legs and remain in this stage for about a year.
• Adults: Female blacklegged ticks have black legs and a black head, with a rounded, crescent-shaped black upper body. The lower body is reddish-brown. Males are entirely blackish. When ticks feed, their abdomen (lower body) swells, turning pale grey, green-gray, or blueish, but the upper body stays the same size.

Adult blacklegged ticks measure about ⅛ inch long, with flat, oval bodies and a small protruding mouthpart.

Are blacklegged ticks dangerous?

Yes, blacklegged ticks are responsible for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus, which can cause both short-term and long-term health problems. While not all ticks are infected, it’s best to take steps to avoid getting bitten by them.

These ticks also pose a serious threat to pets, especially dogs. Certain diseases they carry can be deadly to dogs and cats, so it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about preventative care.

How long do blacklegged ticks live?

According to the CDC, blacklegged ticks can live up to 2 or 3 years. During this time, they pass through three life stages—larvae, nymph, and adult—and require a blood meal at each stage to progress. They have different host preferences at each stage, ranging from small rodents to larger animals.

Can blacklegged ticks complete their life cycle indoors?

Blacklegged ticks struggle to complete their life cycle indoors because:

• They need three different hosts for each stage of development, and these hosts aren't typically found inside.
• These ticks require high moisture levels, which indoor environments don't provide.
• Their natural habitat is outdoor vegetation and tall grass.

If you find ticks indoors, their population is likely coming from outside. Contact us for professional tick treatment.

How do blacklegged ticks get into my yard?

Wild animals are the primary carriers of blacklegged ticks. Ticks hitch a ride on birds, rodents, and larger wildlife. Ticks can easily drop off as these animals move through your yard or landscape vegetation. Here's how different life stages target various animals:

• Larvae: These small ticks often target birds, mice, or chipmunks.
• Nymphs: These ticks seek out larger animals like rats or pigeons.
• Adults: Adult blacklegged ticks often live on larger animals, particularly deer. This is why blacklegged ticks are sometimes called deer ticks.

Humans can also become hosts to blacklegged ticks, especially when spending time in tick-infested environments. 

Nymphs are the most likely life stage to attach to humans. Due to their small size, they are difficult to spot and may go unnoticed while feeding, which increases the risk of disease transmission. Nymphs are responsible for spreading Lyme disease and other illnesses to humans, especially during the warmer months (spring and early summer).

Adult blacklegged ticks can also attach to humans. Adult ticks are larger and easier to detect, but they can still pose a risk if they remain unnoticed for an extended period while feeding.

How can I keep blacklegged ticks out of my yard?

To reduce the risk of blacklegged ticks in your yard, you must deter wild animals and create an environment less conducive to ticks. Here are some ways to do this:

• Manage trash: Take it out weekly, cover bins, avoid overfilling, and clean them regularly.
• Remove bird feeders or relocate them away from vegetation.
• Relocate stacked branches and organic debris: When removing debris from your yard, don’t leave piles near your house; remove them as quickly as possible. 
• Trim vegetation: Trimming back trees, shrubs, and other vegetation will open up landscaping and reduce shelter.
• Fencing: Install fencing around your yard to prevent some wildlife. 

Consider a professional pest control plan to help manage ticks and other yard pests.

How do blacklegged ticks get into my home?

There are several ways blacklegged ticks can enter your home:

• They can hitch a ride on your pets when they’ve been outside.
• You may carry them in on your clothes, shoes, or person after spending time outside. 
• Mice and rodents may introduce ticks when they find a way inside. 

How do I get rid of ticks?

If you’re concerned about ticks, contact Four Seasons Pest Control for effective pest control services that target ticks and other pests! Locally owned and operated since 1998, you can count on our team of specialists to reduce tick populations on your property! 

How can I prevent tick bites?

With some simple precautions, you may be able to reduce the risk of tick bites. Here’s how:

• Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks or boots to keep ticks away from your skin.
• Use tick repellent: Before going outside, apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin (for clothing) to the exposed skin and clothes.
• Perform regular tick checks: After outdoor activities, check yourself, your family, and your pets for ticks. Focus on hidden areas like the scalp, behind the knees, and around the ears.
• Maintain your yard: Mow your lawn regularly, trim bushes, and remove leaf litter to eliminate tick habitats. Ticks thrive in overgrown, shady areas.
• Create a tick-free zone: Use gravel or wood chips to create a barrier between wooded areas and your lawn, making it harder for ticks to enter.