Also known as a deer tick, the black-legged tick is one of Lower Southampton Township's most common ticks. It is notorious for spreading dangerous pathogens.
Black-legged ticks undergo four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. At most stages, they consume blood meals from various vertebrates, including people and pets, though they prefer white-tailed deer.
These ticks are commonly found in tall grasslands, shrub areas, and deciduous forests, which are also habitats for white-tailed deer. Humans and pets visiting these areas can easily bring black-legged ticks into residential and commercial properties.
Black-legged ticks are vectors for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Due to the serious health risks, professional tick control is essential.
Black-legged ticks are among the smallest ticks in North America. Adult ticks reach about the size of a sesame seed but can swell when engorged. They have a flat, oval shape, a reddish body, a black dorsal shield, and sharply pointed mouthparts. As arachnids, they have eight legs.
This species is most commonly found where white-tailed deer live, including deciduous forests, tall grasslands, and shrub-heavy areas. People can pick up ticks while hiking or camping, making thorough tick checks essential after outdoor activities.
Black-legged ticks feed on the blood of vertebrates, preferring white-tailed deer but also feeding on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and humans. They detect hosts using body odor, breath, vibrations, moisture, and body heat. Ticks latch onto hosts through a process called "questing," clinging to vegetation and quickly attaching to a passing host.
While they do not damage landscaping or structures, black-legged ticks pose significant health risks. Their small size makes them difficult to detect. These parasites are unwelcome in both homes and workplaces.
Black-legged ticks are not selective about their hosts. Once attached, they feed for several days. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Yes. Black-legged ticks are known vectors for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis.
Signs of a tick problem include:
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a comprehensive approach to tick control, combining treatment and prevention.
We treat key areas where ticks hide, such as cracks, crevices, baseboards, carpeting, furniture, and pet areas. Our professional-grade products eliminate ticks on contact and provide long-lasting protection against infestations.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.