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Deer Ticks Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis-also known as black-legged ticks) require blood to sustain their life cycle. Over a typical two-year life span, these ticks require three blood meals. Their life cycle begins in the spring of the first year. In the Northeast, adult female deer ticks lay thousands of eggs on the ground around late May. These eggs hatch into six-legged larvae by the first or second week of August. The larvae are approximately the size of a period at the end of a sen-tence. At this stage, the ticks obtain their initial blood meal, primarily from mice, chipmunks, and birds. It is during this period that larvae may become infected with Lyme dis-ease bacteria. After feeding for sev-eral days, the ticks become fully en-gorged and detach from their hosts, typically falling into leaf litter. They remain dormant and “chill out” until the spring of the second year, at which point the larvae molt into eight-legged nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed. In much of the Northeast, the peak periods for nymphs seeking their second blood meal occur in May, June, and July. While most nymphs feed on mice and chipmunks, this time of year coincides with increased outdoor activity for pets and humans, who may inadvertently become hosts. Contrary to common belief, small rodents rather than deer are the primary transmitters of Lyme disease bacteria and co-infections to ticks. A typical mouse can carry numerous ticks during peak periods of tick activity, each capable of transmitting multiple diseases. Nymphs are notably difficult to detect and are often overlooked due to their small size. After feeding for four or five days, the nymphs detach from their host and eventually molt into eight-legged adults. During late summer and through the fall, adult ticks seek out large mammals, primarily deer, where they mate. This period also represents a time when humans and pets are particularly susceptible to acquiring ticks. Although more of a threat to transmit a disease agent, adult ticks are larger than nymphs and thus easier to spot. The female ticks attach and feed for up to a week, after which they drop off and lay up to 3,000 eggs that will hatch, thereby beginning a new two-year life cycle. Life cycles of tick populations may overlap. All stages of ticks may be present on your property in any particular year. The Two Year Life Cycle of the Deer Tick Graphic Courtesy of CDC Revised 3/27/25 bam

Message Tick Activity  Nymphs, the second stage of the tick, are also active in spring and summer, and are a primary cause of Lyme disease transmission through the white footed mouse, small rodents, or birds. The white footed mouse is the primary vector of Lyme and associated diseases.  Adult deer ticks (black-legged ticks) are most active in late fall and spring. Deer are their pre-ferred host where they provide the final blood meal.  Warmer winters contribute to an extended tick season, with ticks potentially active year-round.  Deer ticks may be active any time temperatures are above freezing. Tick-Borne Diseases  Deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.  Other tick-borne diseases transmitted by deer ticks include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.  Babesiosis is becoming more prevalent in the Northeast.  Multiple co-infections can be distributed by a single tick bite. Geographic Distribution  Deer ticks are predominantly found across the eastern United States and Midwest.  The Northeast, including New England states and New York, experiences high incidences of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Prevention  Reduce Tick Habitat Clear vegetation, remove leaf litter, and create barriers between lawns and wooded areas.  Use Repellents Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to skin, and wear clothing treated with 0.5% permethrin.  Wear Protective Clothing Wear long sleeves and pants when in tick-prone areas.  Perform Frequent Tick Checks Immediately after outdoor activities in tick-prone areas, check yourself, children and pets for ticks.  Remove Ticks Properly If you find a tick, remove it carefully using tweezers, and clean the bite area with soap and water. Save the tick for identification and/or pathogen analysis. Deer Tick Overview Revised 3/27/25 bam

. . Tick Idencaon Tick Identification Guide Female Male Nymph Larvae Actual Size Dog Ticks Female Male Actual Size 5-6 mm 5-6 mm Deer Ticks Lone Star Ticks Male Female 3-4 mm Actual Size mm 0 5 10 3 to 3.7 mm 2 to 2.7 mm 1.3 to 1.7 mm .7 to .8 mm Magnified Copyright © 2025 Tick BYTES LLC Images courtesy of CDC Tick species vary from region to region. Use the URI Field Guide to Ticks to locate the region of the country where you live. Then learn detailed information about ticks and associated tick-borne illnesses in your area. If you’ve found a tick and need help identifying it? Use URI’s Tick Spotters. TickEncounter is the Gold Standard resource for tick identification and educational materials throughout the United States. Graphic and Images courtesy of URI TickEncounter.org Growth Comparison Chart Ticks nave to Maine are represented on the Tick BYTES Tick Idencaon Guide. Note actual size of deer cks. Revised 3/27/25 bam

Preferred Environments for Ticks  Wooded areas Commonly located in deciduous forests and wooded regions.  Tall grass and brush Ticks attach to vegetation near the ground, waiting for a host to pass by.  Edge habitats Often found where woods meet open areas such as lawns and gardens.  Leaf litter High humidity – necessary for hydration and protection while overwintering.  Low ground cover: Found under plants, around stone walls, and wood piles. Unfavorable Environments for Ticks  Open, sunny areas Deer ticks cannot sur-vive in open, wind-exposed, sunlit areas as they will desiccate (dry out). Deer ticks require a high ambient humidity, usually greater than 80%. During times of drought, they must remain in their hydrated habitat ,and are less likely to spend much time questing - searching for hosts by clinging to vegetation, waiting for an animal or person to pass. During rainy spells, they are likely to spend more time questing,  Maintained lawns Ticks rarely found in the middle of well-maintained lawns. Host Preference:  White-tailed deer Deer ticks are closely associated with white-tailed deer; the adults prefer larger hosts for blood meals and mating.  Mice, chipmunks, and birds Larvae and nymph ticks feed from small mammals, including white-footed mice, who are the most compe-tent vectors for Lyme and other diseases.  People and pets: Be aware that deer ticks do not discriminate – any person or pet spending time in tick habitat is likely to interact with deer ticks. Ideal location for child’s play center Poor location for child’s play center Tick Habitat & Hosts Revised 3/27/25 bam

Tick Removal Instructions Using a pair of fine pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up with a steady motion. Avoid squeezing or twisting the tick with your fingers or wide tweezers as this may inject the contents of the tick’s gut into your bloodstream. After removing the tick  Note the location of the bite on your body.  Clean and disinfect the area.  Note the date of removal on a calendar.  ID the tick.  Prepare the tick for submission.  Don’t forget to check your pets! Anyone can get Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, but children and older adults are at higher risk. The CDC reports peak incidence in children aged 5-14 and senior citizens. Children  Active outdoors in grassy or wooded areas.  Often found wearing shorts, short sleeved shirts, and shoeless.  Play with pets that carry ticks.  The small, painless bites make detection difficult. Older Adults:  Engage in outdoor activities like gardening, walking the dog or hiking.  Compromised immune systems increase susceptibility.  Higher risk of complications such as Lyme carditis. Graphic courtesy of the CDC. Graphic courtesy of the CDC. BETWEEN THE TOES Tick Check & Tick Removal Revised 3/27/25 bam

Graphic courtesy of the CDC. Tick Control Measures for your Pets  Wear tick collars Collars with insect-repelling chemicals can help deter ticks.  Check for ticks regularly Examine your animals thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Remove any attached ticks promptly using fine pointed tweezers or a tick removal tool.  Lyme disease vaccine Consult with your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease.  Reduce tick habitat Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the lawn regularly, removing brush, and trimming trees and shrubs.  Avoid tick-infested areas Limit your animals exposure to areas known to have high tick populations, such as wooded habitat or tall grass. Bathe your dog Give your dog regular baths to help remove ticks and reduce their risk of infection. Pets like dogs and cats can carry ticks that transmit diseases to both animals and humans. Regular tick checks and consulting a veterinari-an for prevention and treatment are essential. Why keep pets free of ticks?  Tickborne diseases Pets can contract serious or fatal tick-borne diseases.  Tick transportation Pets can bring ticks into the home, where they can bite humans.  Increased risk for humans Households with pets have a higher risk of encountering ticks and tickborne illnesses.  Remember, animals are sentinels for ticks - if they’re attaching to your dogs or cats, then you are also at risk of tick encounters. Companion Animals Revised 3/27/25 bam

Mosquitoes Mosquitoes go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is called a complete metamorphosis and depending on conditions can take from 4 days to a month. Understanding the life cycle of mosquitoes can help prevent or reduce the number of mosquitoes around the home. Egg Mosquitoes lay eggs in containers of water, or in moist areas. Eggs hatch when exposed to water. Larva Larvae live in water and molt several times. They eat plankton, fungi, bacteria, and algae. Most species surface to breath air. Pupa Pupae live in water and do not feed. They are highly mobile and actively swim. Pupae are often called “tumblers.” Adult Only female mosqui-toes bite. Females use the protein from a blood meal to make eggs. Females can become infected with pathogens and arboviruses during a bloodmeal from an infected host. In the Northeast, mosquito borne illnesses such as EEE and West Nile Virus typically manifest in the late summer and early fall. Personal protection strategies that guard against ticks are also effective against mosquitoes. The Life Cycle of the Mosquito Graphic courtesy of CDC Photos courtesy of CDC Revised 3/27/25 bam

Natural Habitats  Ponds, Marshes, and Swamps Natural sources of standing water where mosquitoes can thrive.  Tree Holes and Rock Pools These can collect rainwater and become breeding grounds.  Springs and Seeps Areas where water naturally emerges from the ground can also serve as breeding sites.  Puddles and depressions in the lawn. Man-Made Habitats  Containers  Bird Baths  Clogged Gutters  Unused Swimming Pools  Air Conditioner Drip Trays  Plant Saucers  Trash and Recycling Bins  Used Tires  Children’s Toys Effective Methods to Avoid Mosquito Bites: Eliminate Standing Water Regularly check and empty containers like birdbaths, flower pots, and rain barrels.  Use Insect Repellents Apply repellents with DEET or picaridin to exposed skin.  Wear Protective Clothing Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and a hat to cover skin.  Use Fans Place fans near outdoor seating areas; mosquitoes are weak fliers.  Avoid Peak Activity Hours Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.  Wear Light-Colored Clothing Studies suggest mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors.  Treat Habitats Consider using insecticides, dunks, or larvicides in mosquito habitats. Mosquito Habitat Revised 3/27/25 bam

Repellents Insect repellents are products that help reduce the risk of bites and diseases with formulations appropriate for skin or clothing. Types of Repellents  Skin Repellents These are directly applied to exposed skin and include products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535.  Clothing Repellents O.5% Permethrin based repellents are applied to clothing and are effective in killing insects upon contact.  Repellent Fact Sheet. Safe Usage Guidelines  Always follow application instructions provided on the product label.  Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing; avoid application under clothing.  Avoid directly spraying onto the face. Spray on back of hands first, then apply to the face. Children are among the most vulnerable age groups for acquiring tick-borne illnesses. In addition to frequent tick checks after outdoor activities, the most important element in protecting your family from future tick and mosquito encounters is the use of EPA approved insect repellents for the skin and clothing. Would you allow your children to spend an entire day at the beach without sunscreen? No? Then you shouldn’t allow them outside without insect repellent! Revised 3/27/25 bam

Tick & Mosquito Resources Tick Encounter / The University of Rhode Island Lyme Disease / Centers for Disease Control Mosquitoes / Centers for Disease Control Tick Related Information / The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Tick & Mosquito Personal Protection for People & Pets Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and Arthropods / US Environmental Protection Agency Insect Repellents Fact Sheet / NPIC Insect Shield Dog Not Gone Lyme & Associated Diseases LymeDisease.org Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center / Columbia University Irving Medical Center Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association Cooperative Extension: Tick Lab / University of Maine Project Lyme For additional regional resources, go to your state’s CDC or Cooperative Extension web site and search Lyme dis-ease, ticks, or mosquitoes. Articles, Videos & Blogs Dogs, Ticks and Tick-Borne Parasites PetHealth Network IDEXX How Ticks Dig In With a Mouth Full of Hooks | Deep Look Tick Notes / TickGuy’s Blog Hidden in the Leaves Part 1 / TickEncounter Resource Center Hidden in the Leaves Part 2 / TickEncounter Resource Center Hidden in the Leaves Part 3 / TickEncounter Resource Center Tale of the Tick: How Lyme Disease is Spreading Northward, Dave Mance III, Northern Woodlands Magazine, March 1, 2008 Physician Societies In Lyme and associated diseases treatments, two main standards of care exist; one advocated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizing short-course antibiotic therapy, and another by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) which favors individualized, longer-term treatment based on patient response and potential co-infections. Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Tick & Mosquito Resources Revised 3/27/25 bam