Brown dog tick
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
arachnidsHow to Identify
Brown dog ticks are reddish-brown, elongated, and about 1/8 inch long before feeding. After feeding, they swell to about 1/2 inch and become engorged. They lack ornate markings and have a narrow capitulum (head).
Signs of Infestation
Look for ticks crawling on walls, furniture, and baseboards, especially in areas where pets spend time. Check pets regularly for ticks, paying close attention to ears, between toes, and around the neck. Finding numerous ticks indicates a potential infestation.
Health Risks
Brown dog ticks primarily feed on dogs but will bite humans if necessary, transmitting diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, although this is rare. Bites can cause localized irritation and itching. In Myrtle Beach, protect yourself and your pets from these vectors.
Our Treatment Method
MBPC offers targeted treatments to eliminate brown dog ticks from your home and yard. Our SC Department of Pesticide Regulation licensed technicians use EPA-approved insecticides, focusing on areas where ticks congregate. We recommend regular pet treatments in conjunction with our services for optimal control on the Grand Strand.
Prevention Tips
Regularly treat pets with veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives. Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the lawn and removing leaf litter – prime tick habitats in SC. Seal cracks and crevices in your home's foundation and walls to prevent ticks from entering.
Habitat
Brown dog ticks thrive in warm environments and are commonly found in kennels, dog houses, and homes throughout coastal South Carolina. They can survive indoors and outdoors, making them a year-round concern in Myrtle Beach's humid subtropical climate. Cracks and crevices provide ideal harborage.
Peak activity: Year-Round
Identification Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown dog tick
Brown dog ticks are often brought into homes by pets or humans who have been in infested areas. They can also enter through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Regular pest control is crucial in Myrtle Beach.
While brown dog ticks primarily feed on dogs, they will bite humans if no other host is available. Bites can transmit diseases, although rare, and cause skin irritation. Prompt removal of ticks is important in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, such as topical treatments or oral medications. Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors. Keep your yard well-maintained to reduce tick habitat in the Myrtle Beach area.
Yes, you can remove brown dog ticks with tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Disinfect the bite area afterward. Contact MBPC for professional control if you see many ticks.
Don't Let Pests Win.
Take Back Your Home Today.
Every day you wait gives pests more time to multiply and cause damage. Our licensed technicians are ready to help — often the same day you call.
Free Inspection
No cost, no obligation
Same-Day Service
Fast response guaranteed
Eco-Friendly
Safe for family & pets
100% Guarantee
Pests return, so do we
Ready to get started?
Choose how you'd like to connect with us.
Available Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm