Blacklegged (Deer) Tick
Diseases: Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan virus
Traits: Extremely hard to detect, Peak activity in spring and summer (nymph stage), Primary carrier of multiple serious diseases, Can cause long-term and severe health effects
Lone Star Tick
Diseases: Alpha-gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus
Traits: Aggressive biter; actively seeks hosts, Alpha-gal triggers red meat allergy (can be lifelong), Can cause sudden fever illnesses, Rapidly expanding range in the Northeast
American Dog Tick
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Traits: Larger, easier to see, Can cause severe fever & rash illnesses, Potentially life-threatening if untreated
Asian Longhorned Tick
Threat: Emerging species
Traits: Reproduces rapidly (infestations possible), Serious threat to livestock & pets, Being studied for human disease transmission, Can survive harsh conditions & spread quickly
