Mary Allen
Introduction: What is a Wood Tick?
A wood tick, also known as a dog tick or a deer tick, is a type of arachnid that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. These ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, grassy fields, and areas with tall vegetation. Wood ticks can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets through their bites. Therefore, it is important to learn how to identify and prevent wood tick bites.
Physical Characteristics of a Wood Tick
Wood ticks have eight legs and are typically brown or reddish-brown in color. They can range in size from a pinhead to the size of a grape, depending on their life stage and whether or not they have fed recently. Adult female wood ticks can be distinguished from males by their larger size and the presence of a white shield-like structure on their back. Males do not have this structure. Wood ticks also have a hard, flat body and can attach themselves to a host for several days while feeding on their blood.