During each stage a tick feeds only once. Deer ticks need 2 years to complete a life cycle. Larvae can pick up the disease from an infected animal. Nymphs are the size of a poppy seed. They are beige in color, sometimes appearing transparent with a dark head.
Adults are the size of a sesame seed.
Adults are found from September through November, and again in March and April. Adults feed primarily on deer, but will also attack cattle, horses, dogs, etc. Human beings are accidental hosts. The risk of being bitten by an infected deer tick is greatest in the summer months of June and July when the nymph stage is active. Make a habit of thoroughly checking yourself and others for the tiny nymph following outdoor activities and vacations.