American Dog Tick Guide: How to Identify, Diseases Carried, and Where They are Found

Ticks are small but significant creatures, especially in the United States, where one particular variety is more commonly encountered than any other: the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis). But what makes this tick unique, and why is it important to recognize it? Here's a closer look at this widespread arachnid.

Identification of the American Dog Tick

The American Dog Tick is recognizable by its size and coloration. Female ticks of this species have distinct white pigment on their scutum, the hard part of the tick's back. However, unlike the male, the scutum on the female only covers about the first third of the body. When it comes to the males, the scutum extends over the entire body, displaying a more diffuse pattern of white pigment, in contrast to the Lone Star Tick, which has a more concentrated pattern at the rear of the scutum.

Feeding Habits and Mating

Both male and female American Dog Ticks will bite humans and other hosts. The male tick, however, only feeds briefly before detaching to seek out a female for mating. The female, on the other hand, stays latched onto its host for an extended period, ranging from five to ten days. During this time, it engorges itself with blood, swelling up to 100 times its original size, in preparation to lay thousands of eggs.

Health Risks and Diseases

While the American Dog Tick does not transmit Lyme disease, it is not without its own health risks. It is a known carrier of Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacteria responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). RMSF can be quite severe if contracted, but the likelihood of encountering an infected tick is relatively low, with less than one in a hundred carrying the bacteria.

Distribution and Habitat

The American Dog Tick is found across the United States, barring high elevation areas where the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is more prevalent. Interestingly, the American Dog Tick is not dependent on white-tailed deer for blood meals, unlike many other tick species. It is also more likely to enter homes, often hitching a ride on pets or humans.

The Importance of Tick Identification

With various tick species transmitting different pathogens, it's crucial to identify the type of tick to assess the risk of disease properly. Resources like TickEncounter provide valuable information on tick types and their habitats. Additionally, services like TickSpotters offer free tick identification based on clear pictures sent by individuals, informing them about the potential diseases they could contract from that particular tick.

Preventing Tick Bites

Understanding the behaviors and habitats of ticks like the American Dog Tick can aid in prevention. It is important to conduct regular tick checks after spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Using tick repellents, such as permethrin-treated clothing and permethrin spray for your shoes and gear, and keeping your yard maintained can also reduce the chances of tick encounters.