Lone Star TickThis tick's name comes from the relatively large white spot on its shield. The Lone Star tick inhabits most of the southern US, but is occasionally found throughout the US. Its size is fairly large, being 1/3" long before feeding. This tick is a known carrier of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and is a possible carrier of Lyme disease.

Northern Deer TickThe Northern deer tick (also known as the Black Legged tick) is more common in the northern US, but also found throughout the Midwest. The adult id one of the smaller species, being only 1/8" long before feeding. Although this tick will feed on several mammals and birds, its name derives from its close association with the white-tailed deer. This species is a known carrier of Lyme disease.

American Dog TickOne of the most common ticks in the US is the American dog tick. It is also one of the largest ticks, at 1/4" long before feeding. It is found all throughout the east, somewhat through the Midwest, and occasionally in the far west. This tick likes larger hosts such as Opossums, Raccoons, Deer, Cattle, Large dogs, and Humans. It is a known carrier of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Adult Tick
The tick has its own place in the history of medicine when it was discovered to be the vector for Texas cattle fever. This established the the link between ticks, mammals, and the pathogen. That was in the late 1800's, but since then ticks have been linked to other diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, for a total of more than 60 different pathogens.

Adult FleaIf you have pets, or know people who do, you know about fleas. They are probably the third most hated pest behind roaches and ants. There are some 2000 species of fleas in the world but only about 10 are bothersome to humans. The most common is the Cat Flea which infests both cats and dogs. This is the same pest that was responsible for the Black Plagues of the middle ages. Fleas are also the cause of numerous allergies, and can carry the dog tape-worm that can infect humans as well as pets.

Fleas and Ticks are not only a threat to your pets, but can also attack humans while spreading disease.