— by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Davis
Ticks are becoming more active this spring, especially wood ticks, also called American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis. These are probably the most common tick encountered in Kansas and they are more common in grasses around field borders and areas with more trees. They can transmit several diseases and thus should be carefully and safely removed, head intact, before feeding occurs for more than a few minutes, if possible. For more information on the species of ticks found in Kansas, please see Household Pests of Kansas (pg. 97): https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3291.pdf
