6 Most Common Tick Species In The United States

 

American Dog Tick

Dermacentor variabilis, commonly known for spreading tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), is also a major cause of tick paralysis. While this tick species is found across much of the United States, it is no longer present in the Rocky Mountains, where it was originally discovered, or in the Southwestern states.

Lone Star Tick

Amblyomma americanum, also known to spread diseases such as ehrlichiosis, tularemia, cytauxzoonosis, Heartland virus disease, rickettsiosis, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), is primarily found in the south of the U.S. However, it can also appear in some northern areas. Its activity peaks from early spring through late fall.

Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

Ixodes scapularis, a tick known for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Powassan virus, is most commonly found in the eastern U.S. However, it has also been spotted as far south and west as Texas and South Dakota.

Brown Dog Tick

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is known to spread diseases like babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, canine hepatozoonosis, and anaplasmosis. While commonly found in southern states, it has the potential to spread to other regions. What makes this tick unique is its ability to infest homes and kennels.

Winter Tick

Dermacentor albipictus is most often found in wildlife such as moose, deer, and elk rather than in pets. It is not known to transmit diseases to humans or domestic animals. True to its name, this tick is most active in the fall and winter months and can be found across the United States, from coast to coast.

Gulf Coast Tick

Amblyomma maculatum is known to transmit diseases such as rickettsiosis and canine hepatozoonosis. Although primarily found along the Gulf Coast, this tick has been observed as far north as Ohio. Its peak activity typically occurs from late summer through early fall.

How To Protect Pets From Ticks

Ticks can be a severe threat to pets and their owners, so taking steps to keep them safe is essential. The most effective way to protect your pets is through preventive measures. Consulting your veterinarian to choose the right flea and tick medication is crucial for maintaining your pet's health.

Many tick prevention options, such as chewable tablets like Bravecto and Nexgard, collars like Seresto, or topical treatments like Frontline Plus, require several hours to start repelling and killing ticks. Therefore, if you're planning outdoor activities, it's essential to ensure your pet is protected well in advance.

Since ticks can be found throughout the country, veterinarians recommend year-round flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats, along with regular and thorough tick checks, to keep pets safe.

 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Best Selling Combo

Best Selling Combo

Heartgard Nexgard Combo for Dogs Flea, Ticks & Heartworm Treatment

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 1132 reviews.

Customer photo review of Custom Duty

Fast shipping great quality and price

Custom Duty

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Teresa!

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.

Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Kimberly.

Customer photo review of Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Very happy with the price of Stronghold heart worm med for my dog. Seems to be working well.

Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Dory!

Customer photo review of Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

My dog loves this product, never got any issue. Good price , deliver on time. We will definitely keep purchasing with 79 pets.com. Thanks!

Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elle!

Customer photo review of NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

I have 3 of these little rascals so Michigan flea/tick season can be financially brutal! Thank you for keeping NexGard so affordable.

NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elaine

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!

Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Cari.. We are glad that you found treatment which works for your Cats..

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Tammy!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them. I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions. After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone. Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Harry for review!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

En fait, c'est le seul produit dont mon chat "Winston" ne soufre pas de problèmes cutané et perte de poils, le "Révolution plus" fait très bien le travail, merci.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Alain!