Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by which tick?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is primarily transmitted by American dog ticks. This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which these ticks can carry and transmit to humans through their bites. American dog ticks are commonly found in grassy or wooded areas and are particularly abundant in the eastern United States, making them a significant vector for RMSF. This is crucial for pest control professionals to understand, as identifying the correct tick species is essential for effective prevention and control measures related to this disease.

While other ticks, such as deer ticks, brown dog ticks, and wood ticks, are associated with various diseases, they do not typically transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This distinction is important when considering the risk factors for different tick-borne illnesses in various regions.