Tick Identification

Tick identifications are a service for residents of New Hampshire only, and are provided free of charge by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (NHDAMF), Division of Plant Industry.

NHDAMF does not have the capability to test ticks for disease causing agents, such as the Lyme disease pathogen. To have a tick tested for disease causing agents, you can take the tick to your doctor and they can submit it to one of their preferred labs, or you can visit the UNH Extension tick identification and testing web page to learn how to submit the tick for testing yourself.

If you do not want the tick tested for diseases, but would like to have the tick identified, please fill out the form below and either mail the form with the specimen to the NHDAMF, Division of Plant Industry (the address is at the top of the form) or bring it to the New Hampshire Health and Human Services Building (29 Hazen Drive) in Concord and leave the specimen and paperwork in the NHDAMF arthropod identification drop box (the staff at the front reception window can direct you). Care should be taken with the specimen to ensure it arrives in a condition that enables identification. If sending the sample by mail, place the specimen in a vial or crush-proof container.

• Tick Submission Form
• Differences between deer and dog ticks
• Tickborne Diseases Information - New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
• UNH Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet: Biology and Management of Ticks in New Hampshire
• Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station (CAES) Tick Management Handbook

(color of gut region may vary)