Tick Species of Concern in Indiana

The black-legged tick is fairly small and mahogany in color. Black-legged ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis to humans. Larvae feed on mice and other small wild mammals, adults prefer to feed on white-tailed deer, and nymphs will feed on almost any host, including humans.

The American dog tick is the most common tick in northern Indiana. It’s large in size and dark brown in color. Adult American dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia to humans. Adults feed on dogs, cats, and humans, while nymphs and larvae feed on small wild mammals such as mice.

The lone star tick is more common in southern Indiana. Adult females have a noticeable single white spot near the center of the back. Lone star ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and southern tick-associated rash illness to humans. Larvae, nymphs, and adults feed on humans.