EDUCATION RESOURCES

Things You Should Know About Ticks

Maine has 14 different species of ticks that can be found throughout the state.

The tick density varies depending on your geographical location.

The deer tick or black legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) has been identified as a carrier of Lyme disease.

If you find a tick on you it should be remove as soon as possible.

If you suspect that you may have Lyme disease contact your primary care physician.

The danger of contracting Lyme disease via the nymph is greatest from May through August.

The nymph is the stage before a tick becomes an adult. Nymphs are eight (8) legged ticks and are smaller than the adult tick.

Adult ticks are most active from October through December and April through June.

Female Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)	Male Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Female American Dog Tick (Dermcentor variabilis)	Male American Dog Tick (Dermcentor variabilis)

Pictures courtesy of Maine Medical Center Research Institute
Vector - Borne Disease Laboratory
Photographer: Kevin Byron