Types Of Ticks In Tennessee
Types of Ticks In Tennessee – There are multiple different species of ticks. Each species is a little different, whether that is in size, when it’s active, or where it likes to live. However, ticks are a serious pest that should be dealt with properly. They can spread serious diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Tennessee has six medically important tick species, but three are the ones Middle Tennessee homeowners run into most: American dog ticks, deer (blacklegged) ticks, and lone star ticks. So, what are some of the differing characteristics of each of these ticks?
American Dog Ticks
The American dog tick is one of the best-known hard-shelled ticks in North America. Within the United States, they are commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains and throughout parts of the west coast. Its habitats include forests, grassy open fields, and low-lying brush. However, they are most likely to search for a host in areas with high animal traffic, such as trails, roadsides, and the grassy edges of yards.
Adult American dog ticks are often found on dogs, hence the name, but they are just as happy feeding on livestock and even humans. In Tennessee, they are the main carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be transmitted within hours of a bite. They’re most active in spring and summer, with the highest risk from April through July.
Deer Ticks
The deer tick, also called the blacklegged tick, is about the size of a sesame seed as an adult, with a reddish-orange body and dark legs. It is the main carrier of Lyme disease, as well as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Lyme disease is still less common in Tennessee than in the Northeast, but it is rising: Tennessee reported 39 cases in 2023, up 18% from the year before, and 94% of cases over the past decade were in Middle and East Tennessee. Deer ticks are most active from October through May and can bite on any day the temperature is above freezing. Lyme symptoms usually begin 3 to 30 days after a bite and can include fever, fatigue, and an expanding rash. Untreated, Lyme can affect the joints, heart, and nervous system.
Lone Star Ticks
The lone star tick is easily identified by the single white dot on the back of the adult female. It is the most common biting tick in Middle Tennessee, and it’s aggressive: it moves toward people and pets rather than waiting to be brushed against. The lone star tick spreads ehrlichiosis, which was Tennessee’s most reported tick-borne disease in 2023, as well as tularemia, Heartland virus, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). It does not spread Lyme disease. Lone star tick bites can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed allergy to red meat.
Are Ticks Taking Over Your Backyard?
To learn more about the different types of ticks in Tennessee, see our Tennessee tick ID guide.
Want your yard protected all year? See how our year-round tick control treats your yard every 30 days, with mosquitoes and fleas covered March through November.
Ticks are a serious pest that have the potential to harm you and your loved ones. Protect your family today by calling the professionals at U.S. Pest Protection. Call 615-822-8500 and get a free inspection today.
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Tick-borne disease statistics are from the Tennessee Department of Health. If you develop a fever, rash, or headache after a tick bite, call your doctor and mention the bite.
