Brown Dog Ticks

Overview

The Brown Dog tick gets its common name from its overall reddish brown color , and because it is common ly found on domestic dogs. Although th is species is most commonly encountered indoors and in kennels , it typically does not bite humans . However, it will do so in the absence of a canine host on rare occasions. If found on a dog or other animal , the brown dog tick should be removed as soon as possible. This tick is found throughout the United States and the world , typically in warmer climates . Keep reading if you want to learn more about brown dog ticks , including treatment and removal of ticks.

What Brown Dog Ticks Look Like

Un engorged , adult brown dog t icks are about 1/8" long, but e nlarge up to about 1/2" long when engorged with blood. Both male and female dog ticks have flat, reddish brown, oval bodies, but when engorged may become gray-blue or olive color. Male dog ticks have tiny pits scattered over the back. Their scutum (shield) is present, and covers their entire back, while female scutum only covers the front part of a female’s back. In both male and fem ale dog ticks, the eyes are on margin of the scutum, with mouthparts visible from above.

On dogs, adult brown dog ticks can typically be found on the ears and between the toes, while younger or immature ones attach along the dog’s back. Knowing p roper dog tick removal is essential . When not feeding on a host, brown dog ticks can be found both outside and inside , although they generally prefer the warm, dry conditions inside homes . Brown dog ticks are unusual among ticks in that they can complete their entire life cycle indoors , allowing them to establis h populations in colder climates . Outdoors, they’re known to scale up shrubs, grass and other vegetation, attaching themselves to passing hosts such as dogs, deer, rabbits and even humans.

Brown dog ticks are notorious for infesting homes once brought inside, typically via pets such as dogs. Once inside, female ticks will drop off of their host and lay eggs in any crack or crevice they can find, potentially causing an explosion of hundreds of immature ticks after a few weeks. They typically move upward to higher ground, so eggs are often deposited in openings near wall hangings , ceiling, or roofs, promoting host encounters. They can also be found in cracks around baseboards, window frames and door frames. These dark brown eggs are usually laid in masses of 1,000-3,000. Once they hatch, t he larval ticks will usually feed on pets like dogs or cats, but can also be found on humans.

Both adult and larval brown dog ticks are capable of surviving without feeding for up to eight months. Aside from catching a ride inside on a household pet, possums, raccoons and other wildlife can carry these ticks into a yard , after which they can take shelter in doghouses and beneath decks.

Behavior & Habitat

On dogs, adult brown dog ticks can typically be found on the ears and between the toes, while younger or immature ones attach along the dog’s back. Knowing p roper dog tick removal is essential . When not feeding on a host, brown dog ticks can be found both outside and inside , although they generally prefer the warm, dry conditions inside homes . Brown dog ticks are unusual among ticks in that they can complete their entire life cycle indoors , allowing them to establis h populations in colder climates . Outdoors, they’re known to scale up shrubs, grass and other vegetation, attaching themselves to passing hosts such as dogs, deer, rabbits and even humans.

Brown dog ticks are notorious for infesting homes once brought inside, typically via pets such as dogs. Once inside, female ticks will drop off of their host and lay eggs in any crack or crevice they can find, potentially causing an explosion of hundreds of immature ticks after a few weeks. They typically move upward to higher ground, so eggs are often deposited in openings near wall hangings , ceiling, or roofs, promoting host encounters. They can also be found in cracks around baseboards, window frames and door frames. These dark brown eggs are usually laid in masses of 1,000-3,000. Once they hatch, t he larval ticks will usually feed on pets like dogs or cats, but can also be found on humans.

Both adult and larval brown dog ticks are capable of surviving without feeding for up to eight months. Aside from catching a ride inside on a household pet, possums, raccoons and other wildlife can carry these ticks into a yard , after which they can take shelter in doghouses and beneath decks.

Signs of an Infestation

The most common sign of a brown dog tick problem is spotting one in your yard, on your body, or on your pet.

Prevention & Control

The best way to prevent brown dog ticks is awareness of dog surroundings and dog prevention medications. Keeping pet areas clean and free of debris can help locate engorged ticks looking to lay eggs and remove them from the house. Brown dog tick treatment for pets is also an important prevention tool. Pets should be treated with flea and tick repellent as necessary.

If an infestation is discovered, the occupant or owner of the infested home or kennel must thoroughly clean the area and remove all debris to eliminate as many ticks as possible. Pet bedding and resting areas should receive careful attention. The dog or pet must be treated, preferably by a veterinarian or grooming parlor, on the same day of treatment, either before or while the premises are being treated. For indoor and outdoor treatment of the infested property, contact a tick control professional immediately.

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Common questions about Brown Dog Ticks

What do Brown Dog Ticks look like?

Un engorged , adult brown dog t icks are about 1/8" long, but e nlarge up to about 1/2" long when engorged with blood. Both male and female dog ticks have flat, reddish brown, oval bodies, but when engorged may become gray-blue or olive color. Male dog ticks have tiny pits scatte

What are signs of Brown Dog Ticks?

The most common sign of a brown dog tick problem is spotting one in your yard, on your body, or on your pet.

How do I get rid of Brown Dog Ticks?

The best way to prevent brown dog ticks is awareness of dog surroundings and dog prevention medications. Keeping pet areas clean and free of debris can help locate engorged ticks looking to lay eggs and remove them from the house. Brown dog tick treatment for pets is also an impo

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