Blacklegged Ticks

What do blacklegged deer ticks look like?

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are small and resemble poppy seeds. They have eight legs and flat, oval-shaped bodies that appear dark reddish-brown when unfed. Once fed, they grow significantly—reaching up to half an inch in length—and often turn a grayer color.

What do deer ticks eat?

Deer ticks are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of their hosts. They pass through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. To transition from one stage to the next—larva to nymph and nymph to adult—they must consume a blood meal. Adult deer ticks also need a blood meal in order to reproduce and lay eggs.

Do deer ticks carry diseases?

Deer ticks are well-known carriers of disease. While they’re most recognized in the eastern United States for spreading Lyme disease, blacklegged deer ticks in the Tulsa and Dallas areas rarely transmit this specific illness. However, they still pose a threat.

In Tulsa, Dallas-Fort Worth, and surrounding regions, deer ticks most commonly spread anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Both illnesses produce flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and body aches. Individuals with compromised immune systems often experience more severe effects.

Fortunately, both anaplasmosis and babesiosis are treatable once diagnosed. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and start experiencing symptoms, seek testing for tick-borne diseases as soon as possible.

Where are deer ticks commonly found?

Deer ticks thrive in vegetated areas. You’ll often find them in tall grasses, overgrown brush, and wooded environments. They also congregate near water sources. Because they feed on a wide range of animals—including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles—they can travel easily from one place to another, often ending up on residential properties.

How do deer ticks get onto people and pets?

Deer ticks can’t fly or jump, so how do they reach people and pets? They simply wait for you to pass by.

When seeking a blood meal, a tick holds its front legs in the air and waits patiently. As a person or animal walks past, the tick latches on—typically to a foot or leg—then crawls to find a suitable spot to attach and begin feeding.

Although you might feel a tick crawling on your skin, they often go unnoticed—even after biting. This allows them to feed undisturbed for up to 96 hours.

How do I remove a deer tick safely?

You must remove a deer tick carefully to ensure you extract the entire tick, leaving nothing embedded in your skin. Use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Apply steady, even pressure, and pull upward and away. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick too hard during removal.

How can I reduce ticks around my home?

The most effective way to reduce ticks on your property is by scheduling routine tick treatments with The Pied Piper. Because other animals can introduce ticks onto your lawn, consistent treatment provides ongoing protection.

Regular pest control treatments also help by deterring animals that may carry ticks. These services protect both your home and yard from infestation.

The Pied Piper offers expert pest control services to safeguard your Tulsa or Dallas-Fort Worth home and keep your property tick-free.

What can I do to prevent tick bites?

Preventing tick bites starts with keeping ticks off your property. Routine pest and tick control significantly reduce your risk of encountering ticks. Along with professional treatments, follow these tips for tick prevention:

• Keep grass, shrubs, and other vegetation well-trimmed.
• Reduce moisture around your property.
• Create a crushed stone barrier between your lawn and wooded areas.
• Remove outdoor food sources.
• Eliminate leaf litter and other lawn debris.
• Keep pets up to date on tick treatments.
• Check yourself thoroughly after spending time outdoors.