Dermacentor variabilis

Adult ticks most often feed on dogs and other large mammals, including humans. The American dog tick life cycle consists of four stages (egg, larva, nymph and adult) and can take as many as two years to complete. Larvae and nymphs usually feed on small mammals, such as rodents. Most American dog tick activity occurs in spring and summer.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Tularemia

The best way to prevent diseases associated with American dog ticks is to avoid tick bites. Please see our tick prevention page for more information.

Please visit the Midwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease webpage for more information about American dog ticks.