Ticks can be more than just a nuisance for people who love spending time outdoors—they can actually pose serious health risks. In North America, two common types of ticks are the deer tick (also known as the blacklegged tick) and the wood tick (also called the American dog tick).
Both of these ticks are known to bite humans and animals, but they have important differences when it comes to how to prevent them, how to identify them, and the diseases they may carry.
This guide will look at their physical features, where they live, their life cycles, health risks, and answer some common questions about ticks.
Quick Overview: Deer Tick vs. Wood Tick
| Feature | Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick) | Wood Tick (American Dog Tick) |
| Scientific name | Ixodes scapularis | Dermacentor variabilis |
| Other common names | Blacklegged tick, deer tick | Wood tick, American dog tick |
| Size | Smaller (adult female ~1/8”) | Larger (adult female up to 1/2”) |
| Appearance | Reddish-orange with black “shield” | Reddish-brown with silver/white spot |
| Distinct leg markings | Solid dark (no light markings) | Cream or white markings on legs |
| Main habitat | Wooded/brushy areas | Grassy fields, trails, open woods |
| Disease risk to humans | Lyme, babesiosis, anaplasmosis | Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia |
| Common hosts | Deer, small mammals, humans | Dogs, medium mammals, humans |
| Geographic range | Eastern, Midwest, Pacific NW U.S. | East of Rocky Mountains, CA coast |
Physical Identification
Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)
Size: Adult females are about the size of a sesame seed (~1/8 inch unfed); males are smaller and uniformly darker.
Color: Reddish-orange body, with a dark brown or black shield (scutum) near the head.
Markings: Lacks white or silver leg markings; the female’s back is primarily reddish with a dark shield, males are darker overall.
Legs: Characteristically black, leading to the name ‘blacklegged tick’.
Wood Tick (American Dog Tick)
Size: Larger than deer ticks—adult females can reach ½ inch when fully engorged; typically about 3/16 inch unfed.
Color: Reddish-brown body with a distinctive white or silvery spot behind the head and white/cream markings on their back.
Markings: Noticeable mottled or patterned appearance, especially in males, with lighter markings on the back and legs.
Legs: Usually feature cream or white markings, making them stand out from the uniformly dark-legged deer tick.
Habitat and Range
Deer Ticks
Thrive in wooded, brushy areas with plenty of leaf litter—classic forest and woodland settings.
Prefer environments supporting white-footed mice and deer, their key hosts.
Active in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, north-central, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
Often found along shaded hiking trails, forest edges, and near shrubs and tall grasses, especially areas that retain humidity.
Wood Ticks
Predominantly found in grassy fields, the edges of paths, and open woodland areas with little tree cover.
Widespread east of the Rocky Mountains, and also in some Pacific coastal areas (California, Idaho, Washington).
Usually present in places where dogs and medium-sized mammals roam.
Activity and Life Cycle
Deer ticks: Life cycle extends up to two years. Nymphs are most active in spring and summer, while adults are active in spring and fall. They seek larger hosts like deer and humans as adults.
Wood ticks: Can survive up to two years at any given stage (larval, nymph, or adult) if a host is not found. Most active during warmer months—April through September—with adult activity peaking in late spring to early summer.
Both ticks rely on blood to transition through life stages and reproduce, targeting various hosts as they mature.
Disease Risks
Deer Ticks
Primary vector of Lyme disease in North America—a potentially serious infection with symptoms from rashes and joint pain to neurological and cardiac problems if untreated.
Other diseases: Babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus can also be transmitted by deer ticks.
Deer ticks are much more likely than wood ticks to bite humans and transmit pathogens.
Wood Ticks
- Do not transmit Lyme disease.
- May carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is serious if not treated promptly, and tularemia, another potentially severe illness.
- Less frequently attack humans, but bites still pose risks, especially to pets.
“Only deer ticks can pass on Lyme disease. However, wood ticks, also referred to as American dog ticks, do have the ability to pass on other bacterial diseases, just not Lyme disease.”
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Preventing Tick Bites
Stay on trails: Avoid walking through the tall grasses and bushy areas where the ticks wait for hosts.
Wear protective clothing: Light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks make ticks more visible and harder to attach.
Use repellents: Insect repellents containing DEET (on skin) or permethrin (on clothing/gear) help deter ticks.
Tick checks: Examine your body, clothing, and pets after spending time outside. Focus on warm, hidden areas like armpits, behind ears, and knees.
Removal and What To Do if Bitten
Remove ticks promptly: Grasp with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull steadily upward. Clean the bite area.
Save the tick: Place in a sealed container for possible identification and testing, if necessary.
Watch for symptoms: Seek medical help if you develop fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms after a bite, especially if bitten by a deer tick in a high-risk area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are deer ticks and wood ticks the same?
No. Deer ticks (blacklegged ticks) and wood ticks (American dog ticks) are different species, vary in appearance, habitat preference, disease risks, and geographic distributions.
2. Which tick is more dangerous?
Both can transmit diseases, but deer ticks pose a higher risk to humans due to their role in spreading Lyme disease, which is more common and can be more severe if untreated. Wood ticks are less likely to bite humans and do not transmit Lyme disease but can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
3. How can you tell a deer tick from a wood tick?
Size: Wood ticks are larger.
Color and markings: Deer ticks are reddish-orange with a black shield and no light leg markings; wood ticks are reddish-brown with white or silver spots and lighter leg markings.
Habitat: Deer ticks love forests, while wood ticks prefer grassy fields and open spaces.
4. What should I do if I find a tick on me?
Remove it with tweezers, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms.
For deer ticks, especially in areas where Lyme disease is common, consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
5. Can my pet get sick from ticks?
Yes. Both types of ticks feed on pets like dogs and cats, potentially transmitting illnesses. Pets should be checked regularly after outdoor activity and treated with veterinarian-recommended tick prevention.
6. When are ticks most active?
Deer ticks are generally active year-round in milder climates but peak in spring and fall for adults; nymphs are active in late spring/summer.
Wood ticks are most active from April to September, with a peak in late spring and early summer.
7. What environments should I avoid to reduce tick exposure?
Avoid tall grass, thick brush, woodland edges, and grassy fields—especially in known tick habitats or high-incidence disease regions.
Wrapping up
Learning to tell the difference between deer ticks and wood ticks is important for keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe from the health risks of tick bites. By understanding where these ticks live, how to recognize them, and the diseases they carry, you can enjoy outdoor activities more safely.
Regularly checking for ticks, wearing the right clothing, and using repellents are the best ways to protect yourself. If a tick bite causes any symptoms or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.