I know what you’re thinking, “ticks are so tiny! How could they be dangerous?” These extremely common Maine parasites can create significantly greater health risks than other pests that might invade your property, so it’s important to learn how to identify them so you can seek professional help to get rid of them quickly.
Ticks in Maine
Ticks in Maine are one of our most discreet outdoor pests, silently waiting on tall grass or other vegetation for something with a heartbeat to brush past. They are incredibly small but thankfully big enough to be seen with the naked eye. You might be asking yourself, if they are so small, how are Maine ticks such a menace? Unlike their spider friends that hunt bugs, ticks don’t hunt. Instead, they find a yummy large mammal whose blood they can feed on, and that includes you AND your pets. This is why proper tick control is so important for protecting families, pets, and outdoor spaces from potential health risks.
Although many pests are known to spread diseases, ticks in Maine are best known for transmitting Lyme disease, which can be very serious if left untreated. They cling to clothing fibers, skin, or hair until they can find an opportunity to feed, which is why anyone can accidentally track Maine ticks back to their property. This is one reason many homeowners contact a Southern Maine exterminator when tick activity becomes a recurring issue around their yard.
Different Types Of Ticks
Did you know that there are many different types of ticks, but they all have one thing in common: much like spiders and mites, Maine ticks have four pairs of legs, no antennae, and are part of the arachnid family. These little pests are parasitic and range from 3 to 5mm in length depending on species, sex, age, and “fullness”.
Different Types Of Ticks
Did you know that there are many different types of ticks, but they all have one thing in common: much like spiders and mites, Maine ticks have four pairs of legs, no antennae, and are part of the arachnid family. These little pests are parasitic and range from 3 to 5mm in length depending on species, sex, age, and “fullness”. In the United States, there are hundreds of different types of ticks, but only a handful are really cause for concern. The 14 species of ticks in Maine include:
- American Dog Tick,
- Brown dog tick (Kennel tick)
- Deer Tick
- Ixodes angustus
- Ixodes dentatus
- Ixodes gregsoni
- Lone Star Tick
- Mouse tick
- Rabbit Tick
- Seabird Tick
- Squirrel Tick
- Winter Tick (Moose Tick)
- Woodchuck Tick
What Color Are Ticks?
Because there are so many different types of ticks in Maine, you may be asking yourself another question: What color are ticks? The answer is, it depends on the type you are looking at. Below is a list of the most common ticks we deal with here in Maine. Understanding these species can help homeowners know when it may be time to seek professional pest control in Southern Maine for tick prevention and treatment solutions.
Blacklegged (deer tick): This tick is brown or orange in color. Deer ticks have black or dark brown legs. These ticks are around 1/8” in length, and they are longer than they are wide.
Woodchuck Tick: Adult females are tan or reddish tan with a darker dorsal shield behind the head. Juveniles are a lighter tan color. Adults are 1/8” or smaller.
American Dog Tick: This tick species is brown with white or gray markings. These ticks are between 3/16” and 5/8” in size. They have a design on their bristled legs that helps them move through thick hair or fur efficiently.
Brown Dog Tick: This species is grayish-blue to reddish-brown. They are between 1/8” and ½” in size, and you can find tiny dented markings on the backs of males.
Maine Ticks
Maine Ticks can be very interesting arachnids, but also extremely worrisome pests. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about these bugs:
1. There are over 90 different types of ticks in the United States alone, and over 850 in the world.
2. Ticks have curved teeth. They bury their teeth into the skin of their yummy host so they can stay attached for days at a time to eat. They are definitely in it for the long haul.
3. Female ticks grow very easily. This is because they eat 100 times as much as the males.
4. Ticks in Maine can survive cold conditions, but when they face situations of extreme heat, they die.
5. You can repel ticks with essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, or cedarwood.
6. After hatching, ticks MUST have a blood source to survive, and they typically last up to 2 years.
7. Ticks cannot fly or jump; they can only crawl and will sometimes crawl several feet to get to a host.
8. Believe it or not, ticks are actually blind; they smell with their front legs, swallow through their brains, and breathe through their sides.
9. Studies have found that ticks seem to be more attracted to light colored clothing than dark.
10. Rain actually protects ticks from drying out, so the more rain, the better for them. You won’t hear them singing “Rain Rain Go Away”…
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases can ticks spread?
Ticks can spread several diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Where are ticks commonly found?
Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, wooded areas, leaf piles, shrubs, and other damp outdoor environments.
Can ticks survive during winter?
Yes, ticks in Maine can survive cold weather and often remain active whenever temperatures rise above freezing.
How can I reduce ticks around my property?
Keeping grass trimmed, removing brush piles, reducing moisture, and using professional tick control services can help reduce tick activity.
When should I call a professional for tick control?
If you regularly notice ticks around your home, pets, or yard, professional pest control can help identify hotspots and provide long-term tick prevention solutions.
Protecting Your Property From Ticks
Keeping grass trimmed, reducing brush piles, clearing tall vegetation, and limiting wildlife access around your property can help reduce tick habitats. Routine inspections of pets, clothing, and outdoor areas are also important during peak tick season.
For persistent tick problems, working with a trusted Maine exterminator can help provide more effective long-term protection. Professional services can identify tick hotspots around your property and help reduce the risk of exposure for your family and pets.
If you notice ticks around your home and are interested in getting rid of them, contact us today for reliable pest control in Southern Maine.
Learn more here:
Tick-Borne Diseases: Protecting Your Family