Wood tick

Wood tick is the common name for several species of hard ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae. The term is often used to refer to the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), both of which are known vectors for various tick-borne diseases.

Biology

Wood ticks, like all ticks, are ectoparasites, feeding on the blood of their hosts. They undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The larvae and nymphs must feed on a host's blood in order to grow and molt into the next stage. Adult females also require a blood meal to reproduce.

Habitat and Distribution

Wood ticks are found throughout North America, particularly in wooded or grassy areas where their preferred hosts, such as deer and rodents, are abundant. They are most active in the spring and early summer.

Medical Significance

Wood ticks are of significant medical importance due to their role as vectors for several diseases. The American dog tick can transmit Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, while the Rocky Mountain wood tick can transmit Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of wood tick bites involves avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, and using tick repellents. Regular checks for ticks and prompt removal can also help prevent disease transmission. Control measures include habitat modification and the use of acaricides.

See Also

• Tick
• Tick-borne disease
• American dog tick
• Rocky Mountain wood tick