Occasionally, other tick species that are associat- ed with rabbits, squirrels, woodchucks orother wild animals will also attach to dogs or people. This usually occurs infrequently and can best be avoided by preventing dogs from capturing wild prey or digging in burrows where potential prey resides. The basal portion of the mouthparts of this tick forms a sharp angle laterally. All life stages, larva, nymph and adult attach to dogs. Hence, the entire life cycle of the brown dog tick can be completed in houses, apartments, or kennels where dogs are kept.
Female ticks lay eggs under the edges of rugs, in baseboard cracks, or in furniture.
Larval and nymphal ticks are often found in these sites as well, but may also climb walls and be numerous behind light switches and picture frames. The brown dog tick is primarily a parasite of dogs and seldom attaches to humans. It also does not transmit any disease causing organisms to man or dog in this area. Because large numbers of ticks may develop, however, they commonly become a considerable nuisance to dogs and homeowners alike. If brown dog ticks are found, either on the dog or in the house, both areas must be treated.