The LookThey are flat, teardrop-shaped arachnids. The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is the most common variety in Utah.
The ShieldThey have a hard "scutum" (shield) on their back. After feeding, their bodies can swell to the size of a marble and turn a grayish-blue color.
The AmbushTicks do not jump or fall from trees. They sit on the tips of tall grass or sagebrush and "quest"—holding out their front legs to grab onto a passing human or pet.
The BiteTheir saliva contains a numbing agent, so you usually won't feel them bite. They prefer warm, hidden areas like the backs of knees, the hairline, or behind the ears.
Do Utah ticks carry Lyme Disease?It is extremely rare in Utah. However, we do have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever. It is always best to save the tick for identification if you are bitten.
How do I keep them out of my yard?Ticks hate dry, hot environments. Keep your grass mowed short and create a "buffer zone" of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and any wild brush or canyon property.
