Deer Ticks in Tennessee | Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Deer Ticks in Tennessee
Deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks) are small arachnids commonly found throughout Tennessee that pose significant health risks to families and pets. These disease-carrying pests are particularly concerning due to their ability to transmit Lyme disease.- Size: About the size of a sesame seed (1-3 mm unfed, 5-10 mm when engorged)
- Color: Reddish body with distinctive black markings on their head
- Shape: Flat and oval when unfed, becoming rounded when engorged
- Active Season: Year-round in Tennessee, most active spring through fall
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
- Reproduction Rate: Female ticks can lay up to 3,000 eggs at once
What Do Deer Ticks in Tennessee Look Like?
Deer ticks in Tennessee are significantly smaller than many other tick species, making them difficult to spot. They have a distinctive reddish-orange body with a black shield-like structure (scutum) on their back and black legs. After feeding, they become engorged and can expand to several times their original size, taking on a more grayish appearance.Key Identifying Features
- Size: Much smaller than common dog ticks, typically about the size of a sesame seed when unfed
- Coloration: Reddish-orange body with black legs and a black shield (scutum) on their back
- Mouthparts: Long, visible mouthparts that extend forward from the head
- Legs: Eight legs as adults (six legs in larval stage)
Related Species
American dog ticks are often confused with deer ticks in Tennessee but are larger and have white markings on their back. Unlike deer ticks, American dog ticks do not transmit Lyme disease, though they can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Lone star ticks, identifiable by a white spot on their back, are another common Tennessee species that can transmit ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Deer ticks in Tennessee pose serious health risks as they are the primary vectors for several dangerous diseases that affect both humans and pets.
- Lyme Disease: The most common tick-borne illness, causing fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic bullseye rash; if untreated, can lead to joint pain, neurological problems, and heart issues
- Anaplasmosis: Causes fever, headache, muscle pain, and can be severe if not treated promptly
- Babesiosis: A parasitic infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening
Property Damage
While deer ticks in Tennessee don’t directly damage property, their presence can significantly impact your enjoyment and use of outdoor spaces.
- Reduced property usage: Families may avoid outdoor areas for fear of tick exposure
- Decreased property value: Known tick infestations can affect property desirability
- Pet health risks: Tick-infested areas pose ongoing threats to household pets
Where to Look for Deer Ticks in Tennessee in Your Home
Deer ticks in Tennessee thrive in wooded areas, tall grasses, and leaf litter around your property. They are commonly found in yard perimeters where landscaped areas meet wooded zones, garden beds with dense vegetation, and areas frequented by wildlife or pets.When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when you’ve identified multiple deer ticks on your property, especially if family members or pets have been bitten. If you live in a wooded area of Tennessee or adjacent to fields with high grass, preventative treatment is strongly recommended. Regular tick sightings on pets despite preventative medications also indicates a need for professional pest control services.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Our trained professionals can identify deer tick habitats on your property and develop a customized ongoing monthly treatment plan to protect your family and pets from the dangers of tick-borne diseases. Our tick yard treatments are designed to provide comprehensive protection with guaranteed results.
