Deer Tick vs Wood Tick: How to Identify and Prevent Bites from These Common Ticks

Deer Ticks vs Wood Ticks: Identifying the Differences

Ticks are small parasitic organisms that can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals. Two of the most common ticks in many parts of North America are the deer tick (also known as the blacklegged tick) and the American dog tick (also known as the wood tick). While they may look similar at first glance, deer ticks and wood ticks have some key differences.

Appearance and Size

Deer ticks and wood ticks vary in size depending on their life cycle stage. Adult deer ticks are typically around 3-5 mm in size, roughly the size of a sesame seed. Their bodies are dark brown or black in color. After feeding, a deer ticks abdomen will become grayish-white and swollen with blood.

Adult wood ticks are noticeably larger than deer ticks. They are around 5-7 mm in size when engorged after feeding. Their bodies are reddish-brown in color with some grayish-white markings on their shields (hard covering on their backs).

The nymph stages of both deer ticks and wood ticks are very small, around 1-2 mm. At this stage, it can be difficult to tell them apart visually.

Geographic Range

Deer ticks are most commonly found in areas of the northeastern and midwestern United States, as well as some coastal regions. They thrive in humid, wooded environments. Some of the states most prone to deer ticks include Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Wood ticks have a much wider habitat range across North America. They are abundant throughout the eastern half of the United States and Canada, as well as along the Pacific Coast. Wood ticks are more likely to inhabit drier environments like grasslands and scrublands compared to the deer tick.

Hosts

As their name implies, deer ticks often feed on whitetail deer. But they will also readily bite humans, dogs, cats, and other mammals. Deer ticks go through a two-year life cycle, feeding on different hosts at each stage. The nymphs and adult females are the stages most likely to bite humans.

Wood ticks get their name because they are often found in forested areas. But they dont actually feed on wood! Their preferred hosts include humans, dogs, livestock, rodents, and birds. Raccoons are a major host for adult wood ticks. All three life stages (larva, nymph, adult) will bite humans and animals.

Diseases Transmitted

The deer tick is well-known for transmitting Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. According to the CDC, deer ticks may also spread other illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus.

Deer ticks typically do not transmit the bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). That illness is most commonly spread by wood ticks. Other diseases potentially carried by wood ticks include tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, and Heartland virus.

It is important to note that not all ticks of each species will be infected with pathogens. But it is wise to be cautious and monitor your health after any tick bite.

When They Are Most Active

Deer ticks are most active during warmer months, especially spring and summer. However, adults can be out searching for hosts any time that temperatures are above freezing. Deer tick nymphs are often searching for food sources from May through July.

Wood ticks are also more active in the spring and summer. Their prime months are approximately March through August. Wood tick populations drop off when cold weather arrives.

Prevention Tips

When spending time outdoors, follow these tips to prevent tick bites:

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily spotted.
• Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants to minimize exposed skin.
• Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin on exposed skin and clothing.
• Walk in the center of trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation.
• Check your skin and clothing for ticks after being outdoors.
• Put clothes in a hot dryer after coming inside to kill any lingering ticks.
• Keep grass mowed around your home to make the yard less hospitable for ticks.

What To Do If Bitten

If you find a deer tick or wood tick attached to your skin, follow these guidelines:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure.
2. Don't twist or jerk the tick. This may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water.
4. Apply an antiseptic to the site.
5. Save the tick in a sealed container in case you need to have it identified or tested later.
6. Monitor for rashes, flu-like symptoms, joint pain or other signs of illness in the days following the bite.
7. Contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms or illness after the bite.

Key Takeaways

While deer ticks and wood ticks may appear similar, there are some notable differences to be aware of. Deer ticks are prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast, while wood ticks have a broader range across North America. Deer ticks are most known for transmitting Lyme disease, but wood ticks can also spread RMSF and other illnesses. With some preventative measures, you can reduce your chances of being bitten when enjoying the outdoors.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.