Ixodes scapularis: The Blacklegged Tick in Kentucky
07/01/2025 By pest expert Matthew Hess
Outdoor activities probably wouldn’t seem complete in Kentucky without a pest or two to contend with, and the black-legged tick (AKA Deer tick) is a doozy! This little tick, about the size of a sesame seed, may not seem like much, but it can pack a powerful bite that risks the contraction of diseases such as Lyme. One bite may not hurt, or be immediately fatal, but the potential health threats of that bite are serious.
Let’s take a quick look at Ixodes scapularis and see what this unique and potentially dangerous tick is up to, how it differs from other ticks, and how you can stay protected.
What is Ixodes scapularis?
The black-legged tick or deer tick is a small arachnid that typically measures about 1/8 inch long, and, as previously mentioned, is about the size of a sesame seed. They are often brown or dark reddish in color, and you probably won’t even notice them until they’ve latched onto your skin! Even then, it could be days before you notice. Their small size, pain-numbing saliva, and lack of immediate symptoms often make their bites go unnoticed for several days, right up until you accidentally rub across the bite area or it begins to itch. These ticks thrive in wooded and grassy areas, making them most commonly found by hikers, campers, and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Of course, ticks don’t fly, but they do use a process called questing.
Life Cycle
Understanding the life cycle of the black-legged tick can help you recognize when they are most active and potentially hazardous. Understanding when to be on guard, whether by avoiding certain areas or by preparing yourself with the proper personal control measures, could mean the difference between a great outdoor adventure versus a lifetime of illness.
- Egg Stage: Female ticks lay eggs in the spring, which hatch into larvae by late summer.
- Larval Stage: Larvae feed on small mammals and birds, often acquiring pathogens. This stage poses no risk to humans.
- Nymph Stage: In spring, larvae molt into nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed and are the primary stage that bites humans.
- Adult Stage: In the fall, nymphs mature into adults, which are then ready to mate and continue the cycle.
The black-legged tick, as shown above, is active from spring to fall, including the two stages that threaten humans: the nymphs and adults. This means that most outdoor activities in warm weather run the potential risk of a bite. Maintaining the correct personal protection is crucial to prevent potentially devastating bites.
Health Risks
The biggest concern with Ixodes scapularis is its ability to transmit diseases. Their small size enhances this ability. Since the nyph stage is about the size of a poppy seed and will feed on humans, finding them after an outdoor adventure won’t be easy. Although the black-legged tick can transmit diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms and other, more serious health complications, there is a much more critical problem: their ability to transmit Lyme Disease. Lyme disease symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. If untreated, it can lead to more severe health issues, such as joint pain, neurological problems, and even heart problems.
Signs of Tick-Borne Illness
If you notice symptoms like sudden fever, chills, fatigue, or a rash after spending time outdoors, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. If you know you were bitten by a tick, properly remove the tick and save it for your doctor to identify. Any signs of tick-borne illness may then be much easier to identify and properly diagnose for treatment.
How to Protect Yourself
To minimize your risk of tick bites while enjoying the outdoors, consider the following strategies:
- Dress Smart: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
- Use Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing.
- Stay on Trails: Stick to well-trodden paths and avoid brushing against tall grass and shrubs.
- Conduct Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, check yourself, your family, and pets for ticks, especially in warm areas like underarms, behind the ears, and around the waist.
The Importance of Professional Control
Although we can’t be of much help away from your home, we can help protect your property! If you suspect that your property has a significant tick problem, it’s essential to consult with pest control professionals like Four Seasons Pest Solutions. We can assess your yard for tick habitats, implement effective treatments, and provide advice on long-term prevention strategies. This not only protects your health but also creates a safer environment for your family and pets.
