Identifying Blacklegged (deer) Ticks

• What are blacklegged ticks?
• Where are blacklegged ticks found in Manitoba?
• What do they look like?
• What should I do if I find a tick on me?
• What should I do with blacklegged ticks that I find?
• Submission Forms

What are blacklegged ticks?

Blacklegged (deer) ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are the species of tick in Manitoba known to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. People can become infected with Lyme disease from their bite; however, not all blacklegged ticks are infected with the bacteria, so not all blacklegged ticks transmit the disease. Ticks are slow feeders so it takes some time for the bacteria to be transmitted to your blood. The risk of catching Lyme disease from a blacklegged tick is reduced if it is removed early, especially within 24 hours. For more information on Lyme disease, please click here.

Where are blacklegged ticks found in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, people are most likely to come into contact with the American dog (wood) tick, which does not carry Lyme disease. Throughout the province, there is a chance of being exposed to Lyme disease through contact with infected blacklegged ticks transported by birds. However, there is a greater risk in the southeast corner of the province where an infected blacklegged tick population is established.

What do they look like?

Blacklegged ticks (shown below) are smaller than the more common dog (wood) tick and do not have white markings on the large part of their body. They do not fly. Instead, they move around in the grass or settle on long grass until they can attach themselves to a host (humans, dogs, deer, or other small mammals).

Figure 1: Unfed adult blacklegged ticks (top row) and adult American dog (wood) ticks (bottom row). Note the difference in colour patterns and relative size.
Figure 2: Female blacklegged ticks in various stages of feeding. Note the change in size and colour.
Figure 3: Unfed, partially fed and fully engorged nymphs of the blacklegged tick. Note the change in size and colour.

What should I do if I find a tick on me?

If a tick is attached to your skin, remove it with tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull slowly upward with steady pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the tick. Cleanse the skin around the tick bite with soap and water or disinfectant. Mark the date and location of the tick bite on your calendar for future reference.

What should I do with blacklegged ticks that I find?

Manitobans are requested to submit the blacklegged ticks they find to be tested for Lyme disease. Ticks should be placed in a small crushproof bottle (ex: pill bottle) with a piece of slightly damp paper towel to help keep the tick alive. Firmly tape the lid shut. Seal the bottle in a plastic bag and then in a cardboard box labeled: Research Specimens – Fragile – Handle with Care. Include the following details: name, address and phone number, information about where, when and on whom (ex: person, dog) the tick was found, as well as any recent travel activity. Results of the testing will be provided once completed.

Submission forms

Submission Form [MS-Word]
Submission Form

Blacklegged ticks can be mailed to:

Dr. Terry Galloway, Department of Entomology
Animal Science/ Entomology Building, Room 214
Fort Garry Campus, University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2