​Seed Ticks

Adult Tick larvae are commonly referred to as seed ticks. Larvae hatch from the eggs laid by an adult female tick and are rarely seen unless in large groupings because they are so tiny, resembling poppy seeds with six legs. While the number of eggs deposited by females varies, often times eggs laid by one female at one time may number into the hundreds. Therefore, usually seed ticks on a dog equates to a very large number at one time, rather than just a few.

The life cycle of a tick is composed of four stages: egg, larval, nymphal and adult. After hatching, seed ticks immediately seek a host. They will feed on the first suitable host they find. Seed ticks remain attached to their hosts several days depending on species before dropping. In some cases, a tick will reattach itself to the same host after entering the nymphal stage. Some tick species, such as the winter tick, remain attached to one host throughout their lives. Seed ticks sometimes die if they cannot locate a suitable host. However, seed ticks are capable of surviving for long periods of time without a meal.​