No, American dog ticks, commonly called wood ticks, do not transmit Lyme disease. In Minnesota, Lyme disease only comes from blacklegged ticks, commonly called deer ticks. Wood ticks can, however, spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
It’s reasonable to worry about Lyme disease. Luckily, American dog ticks (wood ticks) won't transmit the disease to you in Minnesota. That doesn’t mean that being bitten by a tick is risk-free, though, as you can still catch other tickborne illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
American dog ticks are noticeably larger than blacklegged ticks. They usually have mottled white or gray marks on the back and they’re hard to miss when they’re engorged. They are the ticks you are most likely to spot and pull after walking through a field. Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and are plain dark brown or black. Nymphs are the ones most responsible for Lyme disease transmission, and they’re only about the size of a poppy seed.
These types of ticks are found in different places too. American dog ticks favor open grassy areas and fields. Blacklegged ticks prefer woods, brush, and leaf litter.
American dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is uncommon in Minnesota but serious, as well as tularemia. In some rare cases, prolonged attachment can cause tick paralysis, which is a condition that goes away once the tick is removed. Blacklegged ticks carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
No matter what kind of ticks you’re likely to run into, it’s a good idea to check for them after going inside. If you find one, grip with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up with steady pressure. If you do this shortly after you go inside, your odds of contracting a tickborne illness go substantially down.
If ticks are a problem on your property, Mosquito Squad of Northeast Minnesota can help. Mosquito Squad treats the tall grass, leaf litter, and shaded edges where ticks wait for a host. This will help you protect your family with up to 90% reduction in pest activity on a recurring cycle.
