Blacklegged tick

Ixodes scapularis

Where found: Widely distributed in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States.

Transmits: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan disease.

Comments: The greatest risk of being bitten exists in the spring, summer, and fall. However, adults may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females.