Most common ticks in North Carolina
Summertime brings a lot of things to North Carolina. Warmer temperatures, vacation with family or friends, hikes in the mountains or woods of NC…and ticks! These frustratingly common insect are the bane of hikers across the state, as well as really anyone that spends time outside during summer. Ticks are extremely common in North Carolina and can carry infectious diseases that no one wants to bring back with them from a pleasant hike. That is why tick identification and prevention is so important! One of the most popular questions our Clegg’s team receives is: What are the most common ticks in North Carolina? Let’s look at some of the ticks that call our state home so you can be on the lookout for them while out in the wild.
Most common ticks in NC
Lone Star Tick
For the past several decades in NC, the most aggressive tick in our state has been the Lone Star tick. This insect is named for the white ‘star’ that females have on their backs. Of the ticks that call our state home, this tick is most likely to bite humans and pets, and can possibly cause infestation. If you notice one on you or a family member or pet, be sure to remove the tick properly as soon as possible and clean the area.
Deer Tick
This is one of the more commonly known ticks of North Carolina. As you can see in the below image, this tick has dark almost black legs, and a white border around its body that makes it somewhat distinguishable. Just like with the Lone Star tick, if you notice a deer tick on your body remove it and clean the area. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease and other infectious illnesses.
Dog Tick
The Brown dog tick and American dog tick are both common ticks in North Carolina and known for biting unsuspecting humans and pets. The American dog tick can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and both can transmit a variety of nasty illnesses. If you see one on you, get it off and clean the bite area thoroughly.
Have Ticks at Home? Call Clegg’s for Tick Extermination and Prevention
Have you seen ticks in your yard or the wooded areas around your house? If you are concerned about ticks near your home or family, call our Clegg’s Pest Control team. We have decades of experience providing lasting tick control services to our North Carolina friends and neighbors. Contact us online to request a free inspection or call (888) MRCLEGG to speak to one of our pest control heroes!
