There are six species of ticks found in Maryland and the majority of them are capable of transmitting diseases. Here are key things to know about ticks in Maryland and how to protect yourself from bites. If a disease-infected tick bites you, it takes 24-48 hours to transmit the pathogen (if the tick remains attached).
They acquire pathogens by feeding on infected wildlife such deer and mice. Ticks can carry serious diseases that affect humans and pets. Most ticks are not born carrying disease-causing pathogens. Ticks are not killed by freezing temperatures and are active on days when temperatures are above freezing. Ticks do not fly, jump, or fall from trees. When a host comes by, they grab on and quickly crawl on to the host. Ticks find their host by hanging on to leaves or grasses with their back legs and reaching out with their front legs. They have four life stages (egg, larva, nymph, adult) and they require three blood meals to complete their lifecycle. Although ticks appear like small insects, they are actually arachnids (like spiders and mites).