Identification
Brown dog ticks are small, reddish-brown arachnids measuring about 1/8 inch when unfed and up to 1/2 inch when fully engorged. They have an oval, flattened body, eight legs, and a small head with piercing mouthparts. Unlike other tick species, they prefer indoor environments and can survive in homes.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Brown dog ticks undergo four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Females lay up to 5,000 eggs in hidden areas such as cracks and furniture. The eggs hatch into larvae that seek a host, feeding before molting into nymphs. Nymphs and adults require blood meals to develop and reproduce. Their lifecycle can be completed in as little as two months in warm conditions.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Brown dog ticks are primarily parasitic and feed on the blood of dogs but can also bite humans. Unlike other ticks, they can complete their lifecycle indoors and do not require outdoor habitats. They crawl rather than jump or fly and can infest homes, kennels, and animal bedding.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Brown dog ticks thrive in warm, sheltered environments, including:
- Dog bedding, crates, and carpets
- Upholstered furniture and baseboards
- Kennels, veterinary clinics, and shelters
- Cracks and crevices in walls and floors
- Outdoor areas with shaded resting spots for dogs
Threats & Danger
Brown dog ticks are vectors of diseases such as Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis in dogs. While they rarely transmit diseases to humans, their bites can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Severe infestations can lead to anemia in dogs due to excessive blood loss.
Prevention
- Regularly inspect and treat pets with tick preventatives
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum frequently to remove eggs and larvae
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls and flooring to prevent hiding spots
- Keep outdoor areas clean and remove tall grass or debris
- Use tick control products such as sprays and powders in infested areas
Signs of Infestation
- Ticks visible on pets, particularly around ears, neck, and between toes
- Small, dark specks (tick feces) on pet bedding or furniture
- Excessive scratching, restlessness, or hair loss in dogs
- Ticks crawling on walls, carpets, or baseboards indoors
- Engorged ticks found after feeding, often near sleeping areas
How to Get Rid of It
- Remove ticks manually using tweezers and dispose of them properly
- Treat pets with veterinarian-approved tick control products
- Apply residual insecticides in cracks, furniture, and pet bedding
- Vacuum and steam clean carpets and upholstery
- Consult a professional pest control service for severe infestations