PestDex Details
Blacklegged (Deer) Tick
Ixodes scapularis
arachnid
Primary Lyme disease vector in Mid-Atlantic. Endemic throughout MD/VA/DC wooded suburbs.
How to Identify
- •Dark brown to black, poppy seed to sesame seed size
- •Black legs, reddish-brown body
- •Nymphs (size of pinhead) are most dangerous stage
- •Painless bite — often goes unnoticed
Where Found
Wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter. Quests on vegetation tips waiting for hosts. Montgomory County MD, Fairfax County VA have highest Lyme rates.
Seasonality
Nymphs active May–July (peak Lyme transmission). Adults active fall and early spring.
Health & Property Risk
Transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis. Lyme symptoms: bullseye rash, fever, joint pain. Untreated can cause chronic neurological/cardiac issues. Early antibiotic treatment critical.
Prevention Tips
- •Wear long pants tucked into socks in woods
- •Use DEET or permethrin repellent
- •Walk center of trails
- •Do daily tick checks after outdoor activity
- •Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors
Treatment Notes
Yard spray for tick reduction (perimeter and vegetation). Remove leaf litter. Keep grass mowed. If tick attached: remove with fine tweezers, save tick, watch for rash, see doctor if symptoms.