Ticks in Connecticut

The most prominent species of ticks in Connecticut are the American dog tick, the black-legged tick, and the lonestar tick. While you don’t want any of these ticks in your yard or on your family, black-legged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks, are the only known vector for Lyme disease. That makes ticks not just annoying – but dangerous. Fortunately, Western Pest Services can handle them for you.

But you should know what to look for when it comes to deer ticks. When unengorged (i.e. not filled with blood), the female blacklegged tick is roughly 1/8”, while male ticks are slightly smaller at about 1/16”. Both male and female deer ticks have flat, oval bodies, and are not hard-shelled. Female deer ticks are orangish brown in color except for their legs, mouthparts, and scutum (shield). Unengorged, their abdomen is a dark reddish-brown color but becomes darker after feeding on a host. Male deer ticks are reddish brown overall.

The blacklegged tick is longer than wide, and its sharply pointed toothed mouthparts are clearly visible from above. Newly hatched unengorged larvae are about 1/32” long and have 6 legs. Unengorged nymphs (baby ticks) are about 1/16” long and have 8 legs.

They prefer vegetation located in transitional areas such as where forest meets field, mowed lawn meets unmowed fence line, or a foot trail through high grass or forest as these areas are where most animals travel sometime during each 24-hour period.

The other habitat most likely to harbor blacklegged ticks is the den, nest, or nesting area of its host such as that of skunks, raccoons, opossums, but especially the white-footed mouse. The white-footed mouse prefers woody or brushy areas. It nests in any place that gives shelter such as below ground, in stumps, logs, old bird or squirrel nests, woodpiles, buildings, etc. These mice can bring ticks in with them if they enter your home.