Regional tick guide

Ticks in Iowa

Explore reviewed tick occurrence records for Iowa, with links to identification profiles, evidence and practical guidance.

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Reviewed sources

2

linked tick species

State

geographic level

US-IA

location code

2 reviewed species records are currently linked to Iowa.

Introduced, occasional and other records

Adult female Amblyomma americanum lone star tick showing the central pale spot

Lone star tick

Amblyomma americanum

Present Amblyomma hard_tick Iowa

Iowa State University Extension identifies the lone star tick among the most common ticks encountered in Iowa.

Quick view

An aggressive human-biting hard tick widely distributed in the eastern United States and especially common in the South. Larvae, nymphs and adults bite people.

Identification:

The adult female has a single pale or white spot near the centre of the scutum. Adult males have pale markings around the posterior margin rather than one central spot. Mouthparts are relatively long.

Hosts: Humans, White-tailed deer, Small mammals, Birds, Dogs

Habitats: Woodland, Woodland edges and trails, Grassland and shrubland

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Adult male and female Dermacentor variabilis American dog ticks on a blade of grass

American dog tick

Also known as: Wood tick

Dermacentor variabilis

Present Dermacentor hard_tick Iowa

Iowa State University Extension identifies the American dog tick among the most common ticks encountered in Iowa.

Quick view

A widespread North American hard tick. Adults commonly bite dogs and humans, while larvae and nymphs feed mainly on small mammals.

Also known as: Wood tick

Identification:

Adults have short mouthparts, eyes and festoons, with pale ornamentation on the dorsal shield. Females have a pale patterned scutum at the front; males have ornamentation across most of the dorsum.

Hosts: Humans, Dogs, Small mammals, Large mammals

Habitats: Woodland edges and trails, Grassland and shrubland

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

View species

Practical tick guidance

Related guidance

Use these VuxLore® resources alongside the location records and species profiles above.

Identify ticksSpecies, life stages and identification guidance Prevent and checkReduce exposure and perform thorough tick checks Remove ticksRemoval methods, tools and common problems Bites, symptoms and healthSourced guidance about bites, symptoms and disease

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