Ticks are widespread and active in New Hampshire, representing a year-round health concern for residents and visitors. The state is home to several tick species that transmit various pathogens causing human illness. Given New Hampshire’s high rates of tick-borne diseases, understanding the local species, their associated risks, and effective prevention strategies is important.
Primary Tick Species Found in New Hampshire
The two most common and medically important tick species in New Hampshire are the Blacklegged Tick and the American Dog Tick. The Blacklegged Tick, commonly known as the Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis), is significantly smaller, especially in the nymph stage when it is roughly the size of a poppy seed. Adult female Blacklegged Ticks have reddish-orange bodies and a distinct black scutum, or shield, behind the head, while males are dark brown to black.
The American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is the largest of the common species, reaching approximately 1/8 inch as an unfed adult. Female American Dog Ticks are easily identified by a mottled pattern of tan and brown markings on their back, contrasting with the male’s solid dark coloration. Both the Blacklegged Tick and the American Dog Tick are widely distributed across New Hampshire.
The Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) is also documented in the state, primarily in southern New Hampshire, indicating a northward expansion. The adult female is distinct due to a single, noticeable white or silvery-white spot, the “lone star,” on her back. Although less prevalent than the other two species, its presence signifies a changing risk landscape.
Associated Disease Risks and Transmission
New Hampshire has one of the highest incidences of tick-borne illness in the United States. The Blacklegged Tick is responsible for transmitting five different infections locally, the most common being Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease often presents with an expanding “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans), and initial symptoms can include fever, headache, and fatigue, typically appearing about a week after a bite.
The Blacklegged Tick also transmits Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, both highly prevalent in the state. Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection causing fever, chills, and muscle aches. Babesiosis is a parasitic disease that infects red blood cells, sometimes causing hemolytic anemia.
Transmission of these pathogens is not immediate; the tick must typically be attached and feeding for a period of time, often cited as 36 to 48 hours for Lyme disease. However, the tiny nymph stage of the Blacklegged Tick is responsible for the majority of human infections, and transmission can occur in less than 24 hours in some cases. The American Dog Tick can transmit the bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia, though these diseases are less common in New Hampshire.
Peak Activity Periods and Common Habitats
Tick exposure is a concern throughout the year in New Hampshire, as Blacklegged Ticks become active any time the temperature rises above 40°F. The most significant risk occurs during two main periods aligned with the Blacklegged Tick’s life stages. The first high season is spring and early summer (May through July), corresponding to the peak activity of the nymphal stage. A second, smaller spike occurs in the fall (October to November) when adult ticks are actively seeking hosts.
The American Dog Tick has a single peak season, with the highest activity occurring from May through August. Ticks favor specific habitats, including wooded areas, brushy edges, and areas with tall grasses and leaf litter, as these locations provide necessary moisture and host access. Ticks are increasingly found in suburban yards, particularly where residential properties abut wooded areas.
Ticks employ a behavior called “questing,” where they climb onto vegetation and wait for a host to brush by. This behavior makes any outdoor activity in these areas a potential encounter.
Essential Prevention and Removal Steps
Preventing tick bites requires both personal protection and environmental management. Before spending time outdoors, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. For clothing and outdoor gear, a treatment of 0.5% permethrin can be applied, which kills ticks on contact and remains effective through several washings.
Performing a thorough “tick check” after returning indoors is necessary, as ticks often take hours to find a feeding site. This check should focus on hidden areas of the body:
- Under the arms.
- In and around the hair.
- Behind the knees.
- Around the waist.
Clothing worn outdoors should be placed into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
If an attached tick is found, prompt and proper removal is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding any twisting or jerking motion that could cause the mouthparts to break off. After removal, clean the bite area and hands, and dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet. If a rash or fever develops within several weeks following a bite, medical consultation is warranted.