In Southampton, we share our outdoor spaces with several tick species, each armed with its own arsenal of potential diseases. From the notorious blacklegged tick that spreads Lyme disease to the aggressive lone star tick that can trigger red meat allergies, these tiny arachnids pose a bigger threat than their size suggests.
Let's dive into the science behind Southampton's most common tick species.
Dog Tick Identification
The American dog tick, commonly called the wood tick, is Southampton's most frequently encountered tick. These ticks are known for their reddish-brown color and can grow up to ½ inch in length when fully engorged.
Dog ticks are often found in wooded areas, tall grass, and shrubs. They can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These patient hunters use a technique called "questing." They climb to the tops of grass blades with their front legs out. There, they wait to grab onto passing hosts.
Fun fact: Dog ticks can survive up to two years without a blood meal, making them remarkably resilient pests around your property.
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks are becoming increasingly common in Southampton. These ticks are easily identifiable by the white dot on the female's back. They also prefer to inhabit wooded areas with dense underbrush.
This species is particularly aggressive, with all life stages readily biting humans. Recent studies show that lone star ticks can spread ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus.
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Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is another species found in Southampton. Don't let their size fool you – blacklegged ticks are Southampton's most dangerous tick species. These small arachnids are the main carriers of Lyme disease. Each year, it impacts over 475,000 Americans.
These ticks are smaller than other species, measuring about ⅛ inch in length. They are dark brown to black in color and have no white markings.
Brown Dog Tick
The brown dog tick is the only tick species that can complete its entire life cycle indoors. This adaptation makes it a year-round threat to both pets and humans in Southampton.
These ticks are reddish-brown in color and can grow up to ⅓ inch in length when fully engorged. They prefer to feed on dogs but can also bite humans.
Brown dog ticks like to bite dogs, but they will bite humans when dogs are hard to find. Brown dog ticks spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine ehrlichiosis.
Tick Control for All Types
Don't let ticks put your family's health at risk. To control ticks, it’s important to hire experts. They know the unique challenges of each species.
Certified technicians know the unique behaviors and habitats of each tick species in Southampton.