Brown Dog Ticks: Identification and Life Cycle in Indian Homes

The brown dog tick is the tick most commonly found indoors in India, and unlike many ticks it can complete its whole life cycle in a home.

The short answer

Brown dog ticks are reddish-brown, flat when unfed and swollen and greyish when fed. They feed mainly on dogs and can live in kennels, wall cracks and furniture. Females lay thousands of eggs in hidden spots; larvae, nymphs and adults feed on dogs, then drop off to moult. Because they live indoors, treatment must cover both the dog and the home, including cracks, skirting and kennels.

Identification

• Reddish-brown, oval and flat when unfed.
• Swell and turn greyish when engorged.
• Around a few millimetres long as adults.
• Found on dogs, walls and furniture.

Life cycle

1. Eggs are laid in cracks and crevices.
2. Larvae hatch and feed on a host.
3. Nymphs feed and moult.
4. Adults feed, mate and the female lays eggs.

Why homes are at risk

• Dogs bring them in.
• They hide in cracks, skirting and under furniture.
• They can breed indoors year-round.

Control

• Vet-advised treatment for dogs.
• Professional treatment of cracks and kennels.
• Regular cleaning and checks.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Do brown dog ticks bite people?

Rarely, but they can.

Do they only live on dogs?

They prefer dogs but can live in the home.

How long do they live?

Months, even without feeding.

Can I get rid of them without a professional?

Mild cases yes, but home infestations usually need help.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on tick and flea control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full tick and flea control guide for Bangalore.