Brown Dog Ticks

What do brown dog ticks look like?

Ticks have four life stages: egg, larval, nymph, and adult. They emerge from their eggs as six-legged larvae, which molt and turn into adults, which molt and have eight legs. 

You can find ticks in any of these life stages. You’ll likely see them in their adult form, fully engorged with blood. In this state, brown dog ticks are hard to miss. They look like big, ugly, olive or grayish-blue blobs with black heads and legs sticking out.

If you see an unfed brown dog tick, look for these visual characteristics to tell it from other ticks: 

• It will be about ⅛ of an inch long in its adult stage and less than half that size in its larval stage.
• It will have a tear-drop shape.
• Females have a uniform, reddish-brown coloration toward the end and a mottled tan coloration in an oval shape toward the front of the body.
• Males have a mottled reddish-brown and tan coloration throughout the entire body.

If you need assistance identifying a tick, contact Termio Pest Control; we’re always happy to help.

What do brown dog ticks eat?

Ticks feed on blood. Males do so for only a short time. Females can attach for hours or days. Brown dog ticks prefer domesticated canines but will bite humans, particularly if the tick population is high. Ticks require a blood meal in each stage of life. 

Where do brown dog ticks commonly live indoors and outdoors?

All ticks prefer shaded and humid locations, particularly tall grass or vegetation. Outdoors, look for them in your landscaping or voids under structures. When they hitch a ride indoors, they may be in pet bedding, kennels, along carpet edges, in crevices, etc.

Brown dog ticks are unique among ticks in the United States. They’re the only species that can complete its entire life cycle indoors. 

Are brown dog ticks dangerous to humans or pets?

Yes. Brown dog ticks present a risk to humans and pets.

For Pets:

• Tick bites can cause skin irritation and lead to discomfort and open wounds.
• Open wounds can lead to skin infections from excessive scratching.
• Ongoing exposure to ticks and blood loss can lead to anemia.
• Brown dog ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis, and other diseases.

For Humans

The primary concern for humans is Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Symptoms include chills, fever, muscle aches, and headache. Not all ticks are infected. Most tick bites will result only in an itchy, red wound.  

Do brown dog ticks carry diseases?

Yes. As we pointed out above, brown dog ticks can spread diseases to pets and humans. They are the common vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsia.

How do brown dog ticks get inside homes?

Brown dog ticks primarily use dogs and cats as vehicles to get indoors. They are parasitic bugs that climb onto furry animals. They may also hitch rides on people’s clothing. It is a good idea to wear bright colors and check for ticks when you come in from spending time in your yard, especially if you know you’ve spent time in an area prone to tick activity.  

How can I tell if a tick on my pet is a brown dog tick?

You can identify a brown dog tick on your pet by looking for the unique visual characteristics mentioned above. Search your pet’s ears and between your pet’s toes first, as these are common areas where ticks attach.

How do I get rid of brown dog ticks? 

Contact Termio Pest Control to find out how we help homeowners in Tempe, Phoenix, and surrounding areas eliminate and prevent brown dog tick activity on their properties. 

How can I prevent brown dog ticks?

Ticks are persistent pests. The best defense is a good offense. Here are some tips to help prevent a brown dog tick problem in your Phoenix home.

‍Wildlife management:

Tick prevention starts in your yard, and it begins with wildlife management. Animals bring ticks into your yard, and deterring wild animals can reduce the number of ticks on your property.

• Keep trash protected in covered containers.
• Protect berry bushes, fruit trees, and gardens.
• Remove junk piles.
• Remove bird feeders.
• Clean up outdoor cooking areas.

Yard work:

Ticks thrive in humid and moist environments. Removing shade and moisture can reduce tick viability.  

• Keep grass trimmed low.
• Trim dense landscape vegetation.
• Remove organic clutter.
• Store dead branches in a covered container.

Tick control for your pets:

Since ticks get on your pets, it is possible to deter them by getting veterinarian-prescribed tick-control products.

Along with a tick preventative, you should routinely check your pets and home for ticks or signs of them. If you find ticks, contact Termio Pest Control for treatment.