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Where Do Ticks Live in the United States?

When you spend time outside, ticks can become a problem. Not only do they bite your pets, they will also bite you. Knowing which ticks could be lurking in your area can help you prepare for them. Check out which tick species can be found in your neck of the woods.  

 

American Dog Tick

American Dog Tick

American dog ticks are the most encountered species in the United States. These ticks prefer dogs as their host but will bite humans if given the opportunity. They have a brown body with gray markings. The American dog tick is found primarily east of the Rocky Mountains. However, some of these ticks have been found on the Pacific coast. They like areas with a lot of grass and vegetation. They are most active during the spring and summer.

Brown Dog Tick

Brown Dog Tick

This is another tick that prefers dogs as a host. Like the American dog tick, they will use humans as a host too. The brown dog tick is found worldwide and can be spotted throughout the United States. They prefer dry and warm conditions and thrive indoors. In fact, this tick is the species most likely to be seen in homes. These reddish-brown ticks can also be found in the grass near homes if the weather is suitable to their needs.

Blacklegged Tick

Blacklegged Tick

Blacklegged ticks are known for their dark, black legs. Males have a brown body and females have a reddish-brown body. They are sometimes called deer ticks because their preferred host is the white-tailed deer. Blacklegged ticks like areas that are wooded or have thick grass. They are often found in the eastern part of the United States. They can be active during the spring, summer, and fall.

Lone Star Ticks

Lone Star Tick

Lone star ticks get their name from the white dot on their reddish-brown back. This marking is more distinct on females than males. These ticks prefer humans as their hosts but will use other warm-blooded creatures as a host. While lone star ticks can be found throughout the United States, they are most often seen in the eastern and southeastern states. They like areas with thick vegetation and shade.

Rocky Mountain Tick

Rocky Mountain Tick

Rocky Mountain ticks are named for their geographic location. They can be found in wooded and open, grassy areas in the Rocky Mountain states. These adult ticks feed on humans and large animals. They have a reddish-brown body with gray markings that become more distinct after feeding. Rocky mountain ticks are most active toward the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

 

Many tick species can be found in the United States. Knowing where they are most active can help you prevent tick bites. If you’re spending time outside, it’s important to protect yourself. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and an insect repellent, like our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Natural Insect Repellent or our Maggie's Farm Simply Effective Mosquito & Tick Killer, can help keep ticks away.

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