American Dog Tick

Identification Features

Largest tick in NJ; oblong shape; solid brown with mottled white dorsal shield; has festoons.

Diseases Transmitted (Humans)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia.

Active Seasons

Adults: April to early September; Nymphs: June to early September; Larvae: late March through July.

Diseases Transmitted (Pets)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (dogs), Ehrlichiosis (dogs), Tularemia (cats/dogs), Tick Paralysis (dogs).

Primary Hosts

Small mammals/rodents (larvae/nymphs), dogs and larger mammals (adults), humans.