Ticks are found throughout Colorado, from lower elevations to mountainous regions up to about 10,000 feet. Understanding their presence is important for residents and visitors enjoying the state’s diverse outdoor environments. These small arachnids can be encountered in various natural settings.
Tick Species and Habitats in Colorado
Colorado hosts about 30 different tick species, with the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick being among the most commonly encountered. The Rocky Mountain wood tick is frequently responsible for human bites in the state. These ticks typically reside in wooded areas, shrublands, meadows, rocky outcrops, and lightly forested mountains.
The American dog tick is also common and often found in grassy areas and along the edges of wooded trails. Both the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick are most active from April through July. The brown dog tick primarily infests domestic dogs and can complete its entire life cycle indoors, though it may occasionally feed on humans. While other species like the lone star tick exist, they are rare in Colorado, generally limited to the Eastern Plains.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Colorado
Ticks in Colorado can transmit several diseases, including Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. Colorado tick fever is the most common tick-borne illness reported in the state. This viral disease is transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue appearing 1 to 14 days after a bite. While recovery is usually complete, some individuals may experience a biphasic fever.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by bacteria, is transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick. Despite its name, this disease is rare in Colorado. Initial symptoms, which may include fever, severe headache, and muscle pain, develop 2 to 14 days post-bite, often followed by a rash on the wrists and ankles. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important for managing this illness.
Anaplasmosis is another bacterial infection, with symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches emerging 1 to 2 weeks after a tick bite. Although cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Colorado residents, these are almost always linked to exposure in other states, as the primary tick species that transmit Lyme disease are not native to Colorado.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Taking preventative measures is an effective way to minimize the risk of tick bites when enjoying Colorado’s outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially when tucked into socks or boots, can help create a barrier against ticks. Choosing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks that may be crawling on you. Using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing can also deter ticks.
Avoiding brushy areas, tall grasses, and dense undergrowth, and staying in the center of trails while hiking, reduces exposure to common tick habitats. After spending time outdoors, perform thorough tick checks on your body, paying close attention to areas like the scalp, ears, neck, armpits, groin, and behind the knees, and also check pets. Placing outdoor clothing in a dryer on high heat after coming indoors can help kill any remaining ticks.
Tick Removal
If a tick is found attached, prompt and proper removal is important. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking the tick, which can cause its mouthparts to break off.
Do not squeeze or crush the tick’s body, and avoid using folk remedies like burning or applying petroleum jelly. After removal, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. If any symptoms develop after a tick bite, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.