They wait to latch on for a blood meal when a host—such as a dog, cat, or even a human—walks along.
Depending on the climate, the peak breeding season is from April to September (late spring to early fall).
In sheltered outdoor or indoor spaces, a female tick can lay hundreds of eggs at once.
After hatching, eggs become larvae (6 legs), nymphs (8 legs), and adults.
Because brown dog ticks may breed indoors all year round, they are particularly problematic in households.
Dog ticks can attack people, even though they prefer dogs and other animals, particularly if:
