Are There Ticks in Tennessee? A Guide to Tennessee Tick Species

Exploring the great outdoors in Tennessee offers stunning landscapes and endless adventures, but it also comes with the risk of encountering ticks. These small creatures can latch onto your skin unnoticed, often hiding in hard-to-see areas and feeding on blood, which is essential for their development and reproduction.

If you're planning to spend time in the Volunteer State, you may be wondering, “What kind of ticks are there in Tennessee?” This guide provides the necessary information to keep you informed and prepared.

Does Tennessee Have Ticks?

Tennessee's varied ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to grassy fields and urban areas, provide suitable habitats for several tick species. However, not all ticks readily bite humans, but knowing which ones do can help prevent the transmission of various tick-borne diseases.

Ticks belong to the order Ixodida, a subgroup of arachnids. These ectoparasites live on the outside of their hosts and can transmit disease-causing germs, some of which can be dangerous to humans. Being aware of the various tick species in Tennessee can help you take the right precautions.

How Common Are Ticks in Tennessee?

Ticks can be found throughout Tennessee's landscape, which covers diverse environments from the Smoky Mountains to farmlands and suburban areas. The likelihood of encountering ticks depends on the specific environment and time of year.

Many tick species are often found in moist, shaded areas and thrive in wooded, brushy environments. Yet some prefer open grassland or suburban settings. While tick populations can vary, areas with higher humidity and animal hosts tend to support larger numbers of ticks.

Most Common Ticks in Tennessee

Each tick species may carry different pathogens, so here’s a list of the most common ticks that humans can encounter in Tennessee and the diseases they can potentially transmit.

Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick)

Usually found in wooded and brush-covered landscapes, the black-legged tick can be found throughout Tennessee. This species is a primary vector for Lyme disease and can also transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. It feeds on both humans and animals and can bite any time of year, as long as temperatures are above freezing.

Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star tick is known for its aggressive feeding behavior and is very common across Tennessee. Recognizable by the white spot on the back of adult females, this tick can transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland and Bourbon viruses, and STARI (southern tick associated rash illness), it may also trigger Alpha-gal Syndrome (red meat allergy) in some people. This tick is often found in and around wooded areas, particularly in the southeastern U.S.

Brown Dog Tick

The brown dog tick is unique because it can thrive and complete its life cycle indoors. While it primarily feeds on dogs, it will also bite humans. This species can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and poses a growing health threat to both pets and people in Tennessee.

American Dog Tick (Wood Tick)

The American dog tick prefers grassy areas and is one of the more common tick species in Tennessee. It is known to transmit tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans. It can also cause a condition known as tick paralysis in humans and animals. Dogs are a frequent target, but it will also bite people.

Other Ticks Reported in Tennessee

In addition to the more common species, Tennessee is also home to other tick varieties that may carry disease causing germs:

Gulf Coast Tick

Found primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, the Gulf Coast tick can transmit Rickettsia parkeri, a bacterium that causes a spotted fever similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but usually less severe.. It mostly feeds on birds, small rodents, and deer but will occasionally bite humans.

Asian Longhorned Tick

This invasive species has recently been found in Tennessee. While it reproduces quickly and can cause infestations, it is not known to transmit diseases causing agents that affect humans in the U.S.

When Is Tick Season in Tennessee?

Tick activity in Tennessee varies by species, but encounters are possible year-round. The peak activity for many species, like the Lone Star and American dog ticks, occurs during the spring and summer. While black-legged ticks are more likely to be found throughout the fall and winter when temperatures remain above freezing.

Being vigilant about tick checks and preventive measures is crucial, especially if you're spending time in areas known for tick activity.

How to Protect Yourself from Ticks in Tennessee

Protecting yourself from ticks in Tennessee requires personal precautions and an understanding of the environments where ticks are common. Before heading outdoors, especially into wooded, brushy, or grassy locations, apply permethrin to your clothing and gear. Permethrin insect repellent offers long-lasting protection and is effective against ticks and other biting insects.

Wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks, and tucking your pants into your socks, especially tick-repellent socks, can help prevent tick bites. Additionally, performing regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets after outdoor activities is essential for early detection and removal of ticks.

Insect Shield: Protect Yourself From Tennessee Ticks

Understanding the presence of ticks in Tennessee is the first step in protecting yourself from potential health risks. Wearing Insect Shield clothing can provide an extra layer of defense against ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects.

Explore our collection of insect-repellent clothing, gear, and accessories today and enjoy Tennessee's great outdoors with peace of mind.