What are domestic ticks called? - briefly
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the tick most commonly encountered in homes and other indoor environments. It is the only tick species able to complete its entire life cycle indoors.
What are domestic ticks called? - in detail
Ticks that regularly inhabit human residences and pet‑holding areas are commonly referred to as brown dog ticks or kennel ticks (scientific name Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The name reflects their preference for canine hosts and their ability to complete their life cycle inside buildings, where temperature and humidity remain stable.
Other tick species occasionally found indoors include the cat tick (Ixodes felis) and the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) when livestock are kept in barns. These insects are generally called “domestic ticks” to distinguish them from wildlife‑associated species such as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) or the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).
Key identification points for indoor‑dwelling ticks:
- Adult brown dog tick: reddish‑brown body, 3–5 mm long, oval shape, scutum covering the entire back.
- Nymph: smaller, pale‑brown, translucent, often unnoticed on pets.
- Larva: tiny (0.5 mm), six legs, found in cracks, carpets, or pet bedding.
Control recommendations:
- Maintain indoor temperature between 20‑25 °C and relative humidity below 50 % to disrupt development.
- Vacuum carpets, pet bedding, and cracks weekly; discard vacuum contents in sealed bags.
- Apply acaricides labeled for indoor use on baseboards, cracks, and pet resting areas.
- Treat pets with approved tick‑preventive products and perform regular grooming checks.
Understanding the specific terminology and biological traits of these indoor‑adapted ticks enables effective monitoring and eradication in residential settings.