This tick is about 1/8 inch long and is dark brown with an irregular pattern of white markings on the body region behind the head. It has eight legs.

(Dermacentor variabilis) The immature and adult stages of this tick are external parasites of small and large animals. The three immature stages require a blood meal from a different host in order to develop to the adult stage and to lay eggs. This tick can transmit Rocky Mtn. Spotted fever.

Keep vegetation cut low to discourage small animal (rabbits, field mice, voles) populations; use repellents on clothing when walking in areas infested with ticks. Liquid and granular insecticides applied in the spring may provide some control.