Brown Dog Tick
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Ectoparasite of dogs and occasionally humans — 3-5mm unfed, swelling to 12mm when engorged with blood. Brown to reddish-brown, eight-legged, no antennae. The ONLY tick species that can complete its entire lifecycle INDOORS — kennels, dog beds, skirting boards, and floor cracks. Females lay 4,000 eggs after a single blood meal. Heavy infestations cause anaemia in dogs and transmit canine babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans.
What to look for
Evidence around the property
Risk assessment
Plan a controlled response. These pests usually need targeted treatment before they spread.
Tick bite fever in humans (Rickettsia conorii) — fever, headache, black eschar at bite site. Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs — fatal if untreated. Heavy infestations cause anaemia in puppies and small dogs. Secondary bacterial infection from scratching bites.
Practical steps before treatment
Surface Disinfection & Sanitisation
Hospital-grade ULV fogging for move-in, post-illness, or outbreak response. 99.9% pathogen kill.
More arachnid pests
Need help with brown dog tick activity?
Book a professional inspection and get a fixed treatment recommendation from a certified Siva technician.