Tick identification - Ask Extension
I found a tick attached to me yesterday. The last time I was in tall grass where I think I was ATTACKED was Sunday. So my best guess is that it was at...
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Tick identification #874783
Asked June 26, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
I found a tick attached to me yesterday. The last time I was in tall grass where I think I was ATTACKED was Sunday. So my best guess is that it was attached for over 24 hours. I heated it with a hair dryer (killing it) to see if it would let go and of course, it did not. I ripped it away and it took a little part of me with it. Immediately a white spot formed at the location. Nearly 24 hours later, the white spot is fading. I kept the tick. I feel it’s smaller than a regular dog tick, but there is confusing info online. I have a microscope with a measuring scale built into the optics and it is a little longer than full scale, so it measures a little over .100 inches, maybe .110. Can you id?
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
Amazing photos - thank you. This appears to be a hardbacked tick, possibly a dog tick. The blacklegged tick is the one that carries Lyme disease. Here is an excellent U of Mn worksheet on ticks. It includes several photos.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/ticks#hard-ticks-1726910
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/ticks#hard-ticks-1726910