Ticks are a growing concern for Ohio residents and visitors spending time outdoors. The state has seen an increase in tick populations and the number of reported tick-borne illnesses over the past decade. Understanding which species are present, where they live, and the associated risks is important for minimizing exposure and practicing effective prevention measures.
Identification of Ohio’s Major Tick Species
Three tick species found in Ohio are of concern due to their ability to transmit disease. The American Dog Tick, often called the wood tick, is the most frequently encountered species throughout the state. Adult American Dog Ticks are relatively large, measuring about 3/16 of an inch when unfed, and feature a brownish body with distinctive light grey or whitish mottling on their backs.
The Blacklegged Tick, commonly known as the deer tick, is considerably smaller and presents a greater identification challenge. Adult females are recognizable by their reddish-orange body and a dark, shield-like structure behind the head, while adult males are a solid dark brown or black. The nymphal stage, which is responsible for most human infections, is tiny, roughly the size of a poppy seed.
The third species is the Lone Star Tick, which is spreading across the state, particularly in southern Ohio. Adult females are easily identified by a single, prominent silvery-white spot on their backs, giving the tick its name. This species is considered an aggressive biter and is notably active during warmer months.
Common Habitats and Regional Presence
Ticks in Ohio are not confined solely to deep woods but are most often found in specific environments where they can wait for a host. Blacklegged Ticks are strongly associated with wooded and brushy areas, especially where there is dense leaf litter, which provides necessary moisture and cover. Although found across the state, the Blacklegged Tick has historically been more common in the eastern and southern counties.
The American Dog Tick prefers more open habitats, commonly dwelling in grassy fields, weedy roadsides, and along the edges of paths or trails. This species is widespread and can be found in virtually all Ohio counties. The Lone Star Tick favors woodlands with significant undergrowth and shady locations, and its range is expanding, though it remains more prevalent in the southern half of the state.
Ticks often enter residential areas by hitching rides on wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and rodents, dropping off in yards that border wooded lots. Even well-maintained parks and school grounds with tall grass or dense shrubs can harbor tick populations.
Health Concerns Associated With Ohio Ticks
The primary concern with tick bites is the risk of contracting a pathogen that causes illness. The Blacklegged Tick is the sole vector of Lyme disease, the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in Ohio. Early symptoms of Lyme disease often include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a characteristic bull’s-eye rash, though this rash does not always appear. This tick also transmits anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which can cause severe, flu-like symptoms.
The American Dog Tick is the main carrier of the bacteria responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Ohio. RMSF is a serious illness that typically begins with a sudden high fever, headache, and muscle aches, often followed by a rash that starts on the wrists and ankles. Prompt medical attention and early treatment with antibiotics are necessary if these symptoms appear following a bite.
Lone Star Ticks are associated with ehrlichiosis and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), which presents a rash similar to that of Lyme disease. A bite from a Lone Star Tick can also trigger Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that causes a delayed allergic reaction to red meat.
Essential Tick Prevention and Removal
Preventing tick bites begins with taking protective measures before entering known tick habitats. When spending time in wooded or grassy areas, wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on the fabric. Tucking pant legs into socks and shirts into pants creates a physical barrier preventing ticks from reaching the skin.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET on exposed skin provides several hours of protection. For clothing and gear, products containing 0.5% permethrin can be applied and remain effective through several washings. After returning indoors, performing a thorough tick check on all parts of the body, including the hair, is necessary, and showering within two hours may help wash off unattached ticks.
If a tick is found attached, the safest way to remove it is by using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking the body. Once removed, the bite area and hands should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.