Ornate patterned shield in rural/game area = bont tick. Reddish-brown, on dogs or in home = brown dog tick. Blue-grey when engorged on cattle = blue tick. Size and life stage (tiny = larva/nymph; larger = adult) also help. Location (domestic vs rural) narrows it down.

How do I remove a tick?

Use fine-tipped tweezers; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily without twisting. Do not squeeze the body. Clean the bite site. If fever, headache, or a dark scab (eschar) develops, see a doctor.

Can ticks live in my house?

Brown dog ticks can complete their life cycle indoors. They hide in cracks, under furniture, and in bedding. Treat the dog, vacuum thoroughly, and treat the environment; professional treatment may be needed for heavy infestation.

When should I see a doctor after a tick bite?

If you develop fever, headache, body aches, rash, or an eschar (dark scab at the bite site) within days to two weeks. Tick bite fever is treatable; early diagnosis is important.

When should I get professional tick control?

When ticks are repeatedly on dogs or in the home; when you want to reduce tick numbers in the garden or borders; or for kennels and premises. We treat the property; coordinate with your vet for pet treatment.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (colour, size, where found — on dog, in home, or in veld) to the table to identify bont tick, brown dog tick, or blue tick. Then read that species card for behaviour and when to get help.

Tick Identification Guide

Ticks are blood-feeding arachnids that can transmit disease to humans and pets. In South Africa, bont ticks (rural, game areas) and brown dog ticks (domestic, peri-urban) are among the most relevant. Correct identification of the tick type and life stage — and knowing where they occur — helps you reduce risk and when to treat the property or seek medical advice. This guide covers what ticks look like, where they are found, and when to get professional tick control. Always coordinate with your vet for pet treatment.

Identify bont tick, brown dog tick, and blue tick. Know life stages, where they occur, and when to treat property.

Need tick control?

Call See Tick Control

Checking a dog ear for a tick — identification guide context; species cards describe bont tick, brown dog tick, and blue tick in detail

How to use this guide

Check size and life stage — larvae (seed ticks) tiny; nymphs small; adults larger; engorged adults can be pea-sized.
Note colour and shape — bont tick has ornate markings; brown dog tick is reddish-brown; blue tick is blue-grey when engorged.
Note where you found it — on pet, on person, in grass, or in the home (brown dog tick can infest buildings).
Consider location — bont ticks in rural/game areas; brown dog ticks in domestic and peri-urban settings.
Rule out lookalikes — mites and beetles are different; ticks have eight legs (except larvae with six) and attach to host.
Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; treat property and pets together.

Quick comparison

Tick	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Bont tick	Ornate; patterned shield; reddish-brown	Unfed ~5–10 mm; engorged much larger	Rural, game reserves, cattle; grass and vegetation	Transmits African tick bite fever; quests on vegetation
Brown dog tick	Reddish-brown; no ornate pattern	~3–5 mm unfed; engorged up to ~12 mm	Dogs, kennels, homes; peri-urban and domestic	Can infest buildings; transmits MSF-like fever
Blue tick	Blue-grey when engorged; brown unfed	Variable; engorged female large	Cattle, game; grasslands	Common on livestock; can attach to humans in rural areas
Other hard ticks	Brown, grey, or patterned	Larvae tiny; adults variable	Grass, shrubs, leaf litter; wildlife	Quest on vegetation; attach when host passes

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Bont Tick

Amblyomma hebraeum

Appearance

Ornate patterned shield (scutum); reddish-brown with pale markings
Unfed adult about 5–10 mm; engorged female can be very large
Eight legs; oval when unfed; rounded when engorged
Larvae (seed ticks) very small; nymphs smaller than adults

Commonly found

Tall grass and vegetation in rural areasGame reserves and farming areasCattle and game animalsAttach to humans walking through infested veldEastern and northern parts of South Africa; coastal bush

Behaviour

Quest on vegetation and attach when a host brushes past. Transmit African tick bite fever (Rickettsia africae). Often associated with cattle and game; humans can be bitten when in rural or game areas. Property treatment in these areas is limited by the size of habitat; personal protection (long sleeves, pants, repellent) and checking for ticks after exposure are important.

Why you may be seeing them

Walking in long grass or bush in endemic areas; contact with cattle or game; or after visiting game reserves or farms. Bites often on legs, waist, or where skin is exposed. Remove tick promptly with fine tweezers; see a doctor if fever, headache, or eschar (dark scab at bite site) develops.

Often confused with

Other Amblyomma species (similar ornate pattern) · Brown dog tick (brown dog tick has no ornate shield; domestic setting)

When to get help

Heavy tick pressure on property in rural/game areas; or after a bite if you develop fever, headache, rash, or eschar (tick bite fever). Property treatment can reduce numbers in defined areas; coordinate with vet for livestock.

African tick bite fever is usually mild but should be diagnosed and treated. Eschar at bite site is a key sign.

Bont Tick pest guide Need tick control? See Tick Control

Brown Dog Tick

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (and related)

Appearance

Reddish-brown; no ornate markings on shield
Unfed about 3–5 mm; engorged female up to ~12 mm
Eight legs; elongated when unfed
Larvae and nymphs very small; often in cracks and kennels

Commonly found

On dogs (ear margins, between toes, neck)Kennels and dog beddingInside homes (cracks, skirting, under furniture)Peri-urban and domestic settingsCan complete life cycle indoors

Behaviour

Strongly associated with dogs; can infest buildings when dogs bring ticks inside. Larvae and nymphs hide in cracks and emerge to feed. Transmit MSF-like fever (Rickettsia conorii) and other pathogens. Control requires treating the dog (vet products), the home (cracks, bedding), and the yard. Property treatment and vacuuming reduce populations.

Why you may be seeing them

Dogs that go outdoors bring ticks in; ticks drop off and hide, then reattach. Multiple ticks on the dog or in the home suggest infestation. Brown dog ticks can bite humans. Treat dog and environment together.

Often confused with

Bont tick (bont has ornate shield; rural/game setting) · Other Rhipicephalus species (similar appearance; brown dog tick is the one that infests homes)

When to get help

Ticks in the home or on dogs repeatedly; kennel or property infestation. Professional treatment of premises and advice on pet treatment; coordinate with your vet for the dog.

Brown dog tick is the main tick that infests buildings. Dog and environment must both be treated.

Brown Dog Tick pest guide Need tick control? See Tick Control

Blue Tick

Boophilus (Rhipicephalus) decoloratus

Appearance

Unfed: brown; engorged female blue-grey
Small when unfed; engorged female large and rounded
Eight legs; single-host tick (stays on one host for life cycle)

Commonly found

Cattle and livestockGrasslands and pastureCan attach to humans in rural/farming areas

Behaviour

Common on cattle in South Africa; one-host tick so less often found questing in vegetation than bont tick. When engorged, female is blue-grey. Control is mainly through livestock treatment; property treatment in farming areas may be part of a broader service.

Why you may be seeing them

Contact with cattle or pasture; occasionally on humans in rural areas. Remove tick; if fever or rash develops, seek medical advice.

Often confused with

Other cattle ticks · Bont tick (bont has ornate pattern; blue tick engorged is blue-grey)

When to get help

Heavy tick burden on livestock or property; coordinate with vet for livestock and consider property treatment for defined areas.

Primarily a livestock tick; relevant for farming and rural property.

Blue Tick pest guide Need tick control? See Tick Control

Common signs by location

Where you find ticks — on pets, in the home, or in grass — points to the species and the right control. Treat property and pets together.

On dogs (ears, toes, neck)
Brown dog tick is the main tick on dogs in domestic settings. Check after walks; use vet-approved tick control; treat the home if ticks are found indoors.
Brown dog tick
In the home (cracks, bedding)
Brown dog ticks can complete life cycle indoors. Vacuum thoroughly; treat cracks and skirting; treat the dog. Professional treatment may be needed for heavy infestation.
Brown dog tick
In grass and vegetation (rural)
Ticks quest on grass and shrubs. Keep grass short where possible; wear long sleeves and pants; check after exposure.
Bont tickBlue tick
On person after walk or game reserve
Remove tick with fine tweezers (grasp close to skin, pull steadily). If fever, headache, or eschar develops, see a doctor (tick bite fever).
Bont tickBlue tick
Kennels and dog areas
Treat kennel and runs; wash bedding; treat dog with vet-approved product. Repeat if ticks persist.
Brown dog tick

Why ticks keep coming back

Pets bring ticks in — dogs that go outdoors pick up ticks; treat the dog and the environment.
Ticks in cracks and furniture — brown dog tick larvae and nymphs hide indoors; vacuum and treat cracks.
Vegetation and wildlife — in rural areas, wildlife and cattle maintain tick populations; property treatment has limits.
Grass and leaf litter — tall grass and litter provide habitat; keep grass short and remove litter near the house.
No ongoing pet treatment — vet-approved tick control on the dog reduces ticks brought inside; coordinate with vet.
Re-infestation from neighbouring areas — in endemic areas, ticks can re-enter; maintain property and pet treatment.

Common tick signs and behaviour

These patterns help you identify the type and know when to remove a tick or get property treatment.

Tiny “seed” ticks on skin
Larvae or nymphs; very small. Remove with tweezers; check full body. Can transmit disease so remove promptly.
Tick attached and engorged
Tick has been feeding. Grasp with fine tweezers close to skin and pull steadily; do not twist or squeeze body. Clean bite site.
Ticks on dog after every walk
Property or walking area has ticks. Treat dog with vet product; consider property treatment; keep grass short.
Ticks inside the house
Likely brown dog tick. Treat dog, vacuum, and treat cracks and skirting. May need professional treatment.
Fever or eschar after tick bite
See a doctor. Tick bite fever (African or MSF-like) is treatable; eschar (dark scab at bite) is a key sign.
Ticks in rural or game area
Bont tick or blue tick possible. Wear long sleeves and pants; use repellent; check for ticks after activity.

When to get professional help

Ticks repeatedly on dogs or in the home (brown dog tick infestation)
You want property treatment to reduce tick numbers in gardens and borders
Heavy tick pressure in a defined outdoor area
After a tick bite: fever, headache, rash, or eschar (seek medical help)
Kennels or multi-dog premises with ongoing tick problem
You need advice on property treatment and coordination with vet for pets

Call Get tick control

Ready to reduce ticks on your property?

Property treatment and advice — coordinate with your vet for pet tick control.

Call Tick control

Tick Identification Guide

Identify bont tick, brown dog tick, and blue tick. Know life stages, where they occur, and when to treat property.

How to use this guide

Check size and life stage — larvae (seed ticks) tiny; nymphs small; adults larger; engorged adults can be pea-sized.

Note colour and shape — bont tick has ornate markings; brown dog tick is reddish-brown; blue tick is blue-grey when engorged.

Note where you found it — on pet, on person, in grass, or in the home (brown dog tick can infest buildings).

Consider location — bont ticks in rural/game areas; brown dog ticks in domestic and peri-urban settings.

Rule out lookalikes — mites and beetles are different; ticks have eight legs (except larvae with six) and attach to host.

Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; treat property and pets together.

Quick comparison

Tick	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Bont tick	Ornate; patterned shield; reddish-brown	Unfed ~5–10 mm; engorged much larger	Rural, game reserves, cattle; grass and vegetation	Transmits African tick bite fever; quests on vegetation
Brown dog tick	Reddish-brown; no ornate pattern	~3–5 mm unfed; engorged up to ~12 mm	Dogs, kennels, homes; peri-urban and domestic	Can infest buildings; transmits MSF-like fever
Blue tick	Blue-grey when engorged; brown unfed	Variable; engorged female large	Cattle, game; grasslands	Common on livestock; can attach to humans in rural areas
Other hard ticks	Brown, grey, or patterned	Larvae tiny; adults variable	Grass, shrubs, leaf litter; wildlife	Quest on vegetation; attach when host passes

Bont Tick

Amblyomma hebraeum

Appearance

Ornate patterned shield (scutum); reddish-brown with pale markings
Unfed adult about 5–10 mm; engorged female can be very large
Eight legs; oval when unfed; rounded when engorged
Larvae (seed ticks) very small; nymphs smaller than adults

Commonly found

Tall grass and vegetation in rural areasGame reserves and farming areasCattle and game animalsAttach to humans walking through infested veldEastern and northern parts of South Africa; coastal bush

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

Other Amblyomma species (similar ornate pattern) · Brown dog tick (brown dog tick has no ornate shield; domestic setting)

When to get help

African tick bite fever is usually mild but should be diagnosed and treated. Eschar at bite site is a key sign.

Bont Tick pest guide Need tick control? See Tick Control

Common signs by location

Where you find ticks — on pets, in the home, or in grass — points to the species and the right control. Treat property and pets together.

On dogs (ears, toes, neck)

Brown dog tick is the main tick on dogs in domestic settings. Check after walks; use vet-approved tick control; treat the home if ticks are found indoors.

Brown dog tick

In the home (cracks, bedding)

Brown dog ticks can complete life cycle indoors. Vacuum thoroughly; treat cracks and skirting; treat the dog. Professional treatment may be needed for heavy infestation.

Brown dog tick

In grass and vegetation (rural)

Ticks quest on grass and shrubs. Keep grass short where possible; wear long sleeves and pants; check after exposure.

Bont tickBlue tick

On person after walk or game reserve

Remove tick with fine tweezers (grasp close to skin, pull steadily). If fever, headache, or eschar develops, see a doctor (tick bite fever).

Bont tickBlue tick

Kennels and dog areas

Treat kennel and runs; wash bedding; treat dog with vet-approved product. Repeat if ticks persist.

Brown dog tick

Why ticks keep coming back

Pets bring ticks in — dogs that go outdoors pick up ticks; treat the dog and the environment.

Ticks in cracks and furniture — brown dog tick larvae and nymphs hide indoors; vacuum and treat cracks.

Vegetation and wildlife — in rural areas, wildlife and cattle maintain tick populations; property treatment has limits.

Grass and leaf litter — tall grass and litter provide habitat; keep grass short and remove litter near the house.

No ongoing pet treatment — vet-approved tick control on the dog reduces ticks brought inside; coordinate with vet.

Re-infestation from neighbouring areas — in endemic areas, ticks can re-enter; maintain property and pet treatment.

Common tick signs and behaviour

These patterns help you identify the type and know when to remove a tick or get property treatment.

Tiny “seed” ticks on skin

Larvae or nymphs; very small. Remove with tweezers; check full body. Can transmit disease so remove promptly.

Tick attached and engorged

Tick has been feeding. Grasp with fine tweezers close to skin and pull steadily; do not twist or squeeze body. Clean bite site.

Ticks on dog after every walk

Property or walking area has ticks. Treat dog with vet product; consider property treatment; keep grass short.

Ticks inside the house

Likely brown dog tick. Treat dog, vacuum, and treat cracks and skirting. May need professional treatment.

Fever or eschar after tick bite

See a doctor. Tick bite fever (African or MSF-like) is treatable; eschar (dark scab at bite) is a key sign.

Ticks in rural or game area

Bont tick or blue tick possible. Wear long sleeves and pants; use repellent; check for ticks after activity.

When to get professional help

Ticks repeatedly on dogs or in the home (brown dog tick infestation)

You want property treatment to reduce tick numbers in gardens and borders

Heavy tick pressure in a defined outdoor area

After a tick bite: fever, headache, rash, or eschar (seek medical help)

Kennels or multi-dog premises with ongoing tick problem

You need advice on property treatment and coordination with vet for pets

Tick Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

On dogs (ears, toes, neck)

In the home (cracks, bedding)

In grass and vegetation (rural)

On person after walk or game reserve

Kennels and dog areas

Why ticks keep coming back

Common tick signs and behaviour

Tiny “seed” ticks on skin

Tick attached and engorged

Ticks on dog after every walk

Ticks inside the house

Fever or eschar after tick bite

Ticks in rural or game area

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to reduce ticks on your property?

Tick Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

On dogs (ears, toes, neck)

In the home (cracks, bedding)

In grass and vegetation (rural)

On person after walk or game reserve

Kennels and dog areas

Why ticks keep coming back

Common tick signs and behaviour

Tiny “seed” ticks on skin

Tick attached and engorged

Ticks on dog after every walk

Ticks inside the house

Fever or eschar after tick bite

Ticks in rural or game area

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to reduce ticks on your property?