Just when humans venture outside to enjoy good weather in many parts of the U.S., small creatures also begin to spread their wings or stretch their multiple legs and get out into the world–often to the same places humans like to visit. One of the more invasive pests that is causing health concerns nationwide is the very small, but dangerous deer tick. Undetected deer ticks cause Lyme disease in humans which has increased dramatically since 1991. “The tiny Ixodes tick which carries it is tough to see and avoid. It looks sort of like a spec of pepper. You can find it coast to coast in all fifty states in wooded, grassy or bush-covered areas, so anyone can get it.” Henry J. Fishman, “Lyme Disease Causes Misery Nationwide.” Consumer Affairs.com, Sept. 24, 2007

These NSDL resources will help you understand more about identifying and avoiding deer ticks.

From the collections of AMSER and BEN

Tick Biology for the Homeowner

This Cornell University-Cooperative Extension article includes close-up images and short sections on Taxonomy and Description, Biology and Behavior, Guidelines on Safe Tick Removal, and Identification of several species including: the american dog tick, brown dog tick, lone star tick, Ixodes cookei, and the blacklegged (deer) tick.

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From the Internet Scout Project collection

Ticks and Lyme Disease

These websites provide information about both tick biology and Lyme disease — a disease transmitted through deer ticks.