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American Dog Tick

Encyclopedia Article
 Female American dog tick next to a dime

Like all ticks, the American dog tick goes through an egg, larva, nymph, and adult stage during its development. While they may be found throughout the year, adults are most active during late April through May. The larva, nymph, and adult stages must each have a blood meal before they can develop to the next stage.

Bat Tick

Encyclopedia Article
Image of Carios kelleyi as viewed from above

One species of soft tick occurs on bats in Iowa. This tick does not have a common name but has the scientific nameCarios (formerly Ornithodoros) kelleyi. These ticks are widespread and common in Iowa, and are routinely found in houses and buildings that are infested with bats. They hide in cracks and crevices in bat roosting areas and feed on blood from the bats while they are roosting. If bats are present, these ticks usually do not wander far from them. However, if the bats abandon a roost, are removed, or if populations decline for some other reason, the ticks become hungry and start to wander in search of something to feed on. This is when they are usually noticed.

Lone Star Tick

Encyclopedia Article
Lone star tick females have a single yellow dot on their back

The lone star tick, named for the prominent white dot on the back of the adult female, is very abundant in south central and south east U.S. Over the past several years, this tick has started to become fairly abundant in Iowa, especially in the southern half. Although lone star ticks are most active in May and June it is possible to find the adults active on warm days throughout the winter and early spring.

Ticks Are Plentiful This Spring

News Article

As we head outdoors to enjoy the warm weather you should also bear in mind the insects are also responding to the warm temperatures and becoming active as well. Ticks have been active for several weeks already this year.  So far this year the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic has received only samples of the black-legged tick (also called the deer tick) which is a known carrier of Lyme disease. 

Are Ticks Worse This Year?

News Article

While everyone has an opinion about "how bad" the ticks are in any given, the bottom line is there is no state-wide survey or census to measure tick abundance.

Ticks in Iowa

News Article

With the arrival of spring, ticks are starting to be sent to our office for identification. So far, most of these ticks have been either the adult stage or nymph stage of the lone star tick or the American dog tick. The following is a review of a previous article.

Tick Control in the Yard and Landscape

News Article

We are frequently asked if there is an insecticide that can be applied to effectively control or repel ticks from a picnic area, camp grounds, woodland, or landscape. The short answer is, no.  

Common Ticks in Iowa

News Article

Evidence suggests that spring may finally be arriving in Iowa. The tulips are in bloom, the redbud trees are blooming, people are busily mowing their lawns . . . and ticks are starting to become active. While ticks can occasionally be found during the cold weather months, it is the spring that triggers their greatest activity. As a result, ticks are starting to be sent to our office for identification. So far, these ticks have been either the adult stage or nymph stage of the Lone Star tick or the American dog tick.

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