PCR amplification of the cytochrome b gene was used to query the DNA from the ticks for determining the hosts of their prior blood meals using the primers UNFOR403 and UNREV1025 (Kent & Norris, 2005; Lah et al., 2015). PCR reactions were conducted using 2X Taq PCR Master Mix (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) with primer concentrations at 0.2 μM, 8 μL of template per reaction and a total reaction volume of 40 μL. PCR cycling conditions were: denaturation at 94 °C for 3 min followed by 35 cycles of 94 °C for 1 min, 52 °C for 1 min, and 72 °C for 1 min; then final extension at 72 °C for 7 min before holding the PCR products at 4 °C.