Ticks of Maine
There are fifteen different tick species that have been found in Maine, though not all are permanent residents. Some may arrive in the state on wildlife hosts and do not establish viable populations. Other species have thrived in Maine and are now widespread throughout much of the state. The biology and ecology of ticks can vary significantly based upon species and can determine the level of threat each species poses.
The Most Commonly Encountered Tick Species of Maine:
- Blacklegged Tick or Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
- Woodchuck Tick (Ixodes cookei)
Other Tick Species Found in Maine:
- Brown Dog Tick or Kennel Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
- Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
- Ixodes angustus
- Ixodes brunneus
- Ixodes dentatus
- Ixodes gregsoni
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Mouse Tick (Ixodes muris)
- Rabbit Tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris)
- Seabird Tick (Ixodes uriae)
- Squirrel Tick (Ixodes marxi)
- Winter Tick or Moose Tick (Dermacentor albipictus)