Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

Category: Ticks

Actual Size: 3 to 12 mm

Characteristics: Brown in color, transitioning to a grayish color as they become engorged. The Rocky Mountain wood ticks feature an oval-shaped body that appears flattened.

Legs: 8

Antennae: No

Habitat: Found in diverse environments such as shrublands, lightly wooded areas, open grasslands, and trails – particularly at subalpine elevations.

Habits:

They are hematophagous, meaning they exclusively feed on the blood of their hosts to survive and reproduce.
Although these ticks can remain active throughout the year, their activity peaks during the spring and early summer months.
Rocky Mountain wood ticks are predominantly encountered in areas that are grassy, brushy, or wooded, where they wait for potential hosts.

Description

Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks in the Pacific Northwest

The Rocky Mountain tick, predominantly found in the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas, frequently targets a wide range of hosts. This tick is also known to latch onto mice, deer, cattle, horses, and humans. Both pets and humans are at risk of contracting diseases such as Colorado tick fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever from these ticks. Remarkably, Rocky Mountain ticks can survive for up to two years at any stage of their life cycle if they don’t find a host.

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick Habitat

Rocky Mountain wood ticks are primarily found in grasslands, trails, and pathways. These environments, particularly where overgrown bushes, weeds, and tall grass are present, can harbor hosts for nymph ticks. Adult Rocky Mountain wood ticks position themselves on blades of grass or similar vegetation, using their hind legs to anchor themselves while they extend their front legs in anticipation of a host. When a host brushes against their perch, the tick swiftly attaches itself to the new host.

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The peak risk of encountering Rocky Mountain ticks is during the spring and summer months, with adult females being the most likely to bite humans. Both nymphs and adult ticks are capable of transmitting diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever. To minimize the risk of bites, use an insect repellent that contains an EPA-approved active ingredient, such as DEET. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants in light colors can help make ticks more visible, and tucking your pants into your socks can provide extra protection. If you are dealing with a tick problem, contact your local tick control experts for assistance.