Ticks can transmit diseases to humans that can cause serious illness or even death. There are many different types of ticks, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, "Tick borne diseases in the United States are transmitted by Ixodidae (hard) ticks."
Description
Ticks are arachnids and have four pairs of legs, a body, a head and no antennae. Most ticks are smaller than 3/16 inch long. Ticks burrow or attach to animal and human skin while sucking their blood. There is usually no pain, and the tick may not even be noticed by its host for several days.
American Dog Tick
The American dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which was fatal until antibiotics were used to treat it. This tick is dark reddish-brown with red ridges and spots on its body.
Blacklegged Tick
The blacklegged tick causes the disease anaplasomsis and Lyme disease. This tick has a light brownish gold body with a black oval near the head and eight black straight legs.
Brown Dog Tick
The brown dog tick is also responsible for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This tick is a honey brown color with long straight legs.
Lone Star Tick
The Lone Star tick causes ehrlichiosis in humans. This tick transmits Lyme disease. It is a reddish brown color, and the female has a white circle in the middle of its back that looks like a star.
Tags: This tick, brown color, Lone Star, Lyme disease, Mountain spotted