The most common types of ticks found in Middlesex-London are dog ticks and blacklegged ticks. NOTE: Lyme disease can only be transmitted through blacklegged ticks. In the Middlesex-London region, dog ticks are more commonly found than blacklegged ticks.
Protect
Wear insect repellant that contains DEET. Check yourself and family members for ticks.
Use tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the head as possible. Pull the tick upwards and away from the body. Clean the area with soap and water. Wash your hands.
Female blacklegged ticks can be the size of a sesame seed.
Male Dog Tick
Characteristics
Has white colours down entire back
Has 8 legs
Can be the size of a pencil’s eraser
Does not transmit Lyme Disease
Female Dog Tick
Characteristics
Only has white colours on a portion of her back
Has 8 legs
Is not engorged (has not fed)
Can be the size of a pencil’s eraser
Does not transmit Lyme Disease
Female Dog Tick - Engorged
Characteristics
Has the same white colours still present on her back
Is engorged (has fed)
Can be the size of a large raisin
Does not transmit Lyme Disease
Male Blacklegged Tick
Characteristics
Is black down entire back
Has 8 legs
Can be the size of a sesame seed
Is not a risk for Lyme Disease*
*Adult Male Blacklegged Ticks are capable of carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), however it has not yet been determined as to whether or not the male is capable of transmission.
Female Blacklegged Tick
Characteristics
Has black and orange/red on her back
Has 8 legs
Is not engorged (has not fed)
Can be the size of a sesame seed
Can transmit Lyme Disease
Female Blacklegged Tick - Semi Engorged (about 3-5 days attached)
Characteristics
Has the same black colour still present on her back
Is engorged (has fed)
Can be the size of an peppercorn
Can transmit Lyme Disease
Female Blacklegged Tick - Fully Engorged (about 5+ days attached)
Characteristics
Has the same black colour still present on her back
Is engorged (has fed)
Can be the size of an apple seed
Can transmit Lyme Disease
Male Lone Star Tick
Characteristics
Brown back with small white markings on his back
Has 8 legs
More circular than Blacklegged Ticks
Does not transmit Lyme Disease and is not common in our region
Can transmit Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii (which cause human ehrlichiosis), tularemia, and STARI1
Female Lone Star Tick
Characteristics
Brown with a single white dot on her back
Has 8 legs
More circular than Blacklegged Ticks
Does not transmit Lyme Disease and is not common in our region
Can transmit Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii (which cause human ehrlichiosis), tularemia, and STARI1
Female Lone Star Tick - Engorged (about 5+ days attached)
Characteristics
Still has a single white dot on her back
Is engorged (has fed)
Can be the size of an apple seed
Does not transmit Lyme Disease and is not common in our region
Can transmit Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii (which cause human ehrlichiosis), tularemia, and STARI1
Additional Information
People who spend time outdoors, including hunters, anglers, hikers, etc. may encounter ticks that carry Lyme disease. In addition, there are other diseases in wildlife that are of concern, including rabies and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Date of creation: April 6, 2018 Last modified on: May 7, 2024
References
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tickborne diseases of the United States: A reference manual for healthcare providers (Sixth edition). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html
