Incidence of the disease is increasing in Delaware. Each stage requires a different host animal. 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.