The adults, found from May through July and rarely later in the season, are larger than Ixodes ticks and can be distinguished by characteristic white markings. Large numbers of the tiny larvae may be encountered in the fall, particularly in habitat where moose are found. This tick has not been associated with Lyme disease. Although it has been reported to be rarely infected with Lyme disease bacteria, it has not been associated with Lyme disease in humans. It has been shown to carry a different spirochete, which in humans may produce a rash and some symptoms similar to Lyme disease.
Dogs are the principal host.
It has not been associated with Lyme disease transmission. There is no record of soft ticks, Family Argasidae , being collected in Maine. Elsewhere in the country ticks may carry other diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Powassan virus, and Q fever. As yet, these have not been reported or are rare in Maine. Nymphs are most common May through July.