Tick BiteCommunity Report
Dog Tick Bite Near Pismo Beach, United States
Date
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Location
Pismo Beach
Species
Dog tick
Found On
Adult · 1 tick
Notes
Grid size is 1/5th inch = ~5mm. I was out hiking along beach trail from Grover Beach, CA W. Grand to Pismo Beach Pear. It was found 24 hrs later on my stomach.
Report Location
View on full mapAbout American Dog Tick
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Moderate RiskOne of the most commonly encountered ticks in the US. Larger than deer ticks and easier to spot. Prefers dogs but will bite humans. Found along trails, roadsides, and grassy areas.
Known Diseases
Rocky Mountain spotted feverTularemia
Habitat
Grassy fields, roadsides, trail edges, meadows with low vegetation
Region
Eastern two-thirds of the US and Pacific coast
Peak Season
April–August
Safety Tips
- •Larger and easier to spot than deer ticks
- •Most active in spring and summer
- •Common on dogs — check your pet after walks
- •Rocky Mountain spotted fever requires prompt treatment — see a doctor if you develop fever and rash
Tick Safety Tips
- ✓Always do a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors
- ✓Shower within 2 hours of coming inside to wash off unattached ticks
- ✓Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks
- ✓Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
- ✓If a tick is attached, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers — pull straight up with steady pressure
- ✓Monitor for symptoms (rash, fever, joint pain) for 30 days after a bite