A to Z of Pests

Brown Dog Tick

Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Appearance

• Reddish–brown colour.
• Elongated body shape.

Lifecycle

• The dog tick is a 3–host tick, so must change host between the 3 stages of growth (larva, nymph and adult).
• They require only three blood meals to complete development; once at each growth stage.

Habits

• It is found on dogs, in kennels and houses, and occasionally on wildlife, but rarely on humans.
• In warm areas several generations of tick can be expected per year.
• The most common places for attachment on dogs are those areas the animal is unable to groom easily.