Brown to dark red
1/8 inch or larger depending upon species and if engorged with blood
Ticks climb onto animals and humans. They seek out a feeding site and then bore their mouth parts into the victim and suck out blood. They then fall off the host and shed their skin or, when adults, to mate and lay eggs.
Black-Legged ticks (Deer tick) are found outdoors in open wooded areas. American dog ticks are found in grassy areas. The Brown dog tick is an imported species and is found only indoors.
Ticks transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted Fever and other lesser known diseases.
Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and light colored socks to easily detect ticks. Tuck pants into your socks. Use an insect repellent on socks and lower pants. Inspect clothing and body when returning from tick-infested outdoor areas. Manicure lawns to reduce harborages.