Ticks are present in Reno, Nevada, and surrounding Washoe County, particularly in the foothills and wildlands bordering the high desert environment. The overall risk profile for tick-borne illnesses is generally lower than in highly endemic regions of the United States. The dry climate and high-altitude terrain make the environment less favorable for some tick species, but people who venture into the brush and Sierra Nevada mountains should still practice precautions, as the two primary species found here are capable of transmitting different pathogens.
Confirmed Tick Species in Northern Nevada
The ecosystem near Reno supports two main species of hard ticks with distinct habitats and activity periods. The most commonly encountered is the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni). This species is often found in the brushy areas of the foothills and mountains, preferring open grasslands and trails where larger mammals pass.
Adult D. andersoni are active in the spring and early summer, reaching peak abundance in April and May shortly after the snow melts. They are reddish-brown, and females have a distinctive silver-gray ornamentation on their backs. The life cycle can take up to three years to complete, with the adult stage primarily feeding on larger hosts, including humans and domestic animals.
Another species is the Western Black-legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus), which is the local counterpart to the species that transmits Lyme disease in the eastern U.S. This tick prefers dense woodland habitats, tall grass, and leaf litter, making it more common closer to the Sierra Nevada range and Lake Tahoe basin. While the nymphs are most abundant in the spring, the adult ticks can remain active throughout the winter months in milder conditions.
Localized Health Risks from Tick Bites
The pathogens transmitted by the ticks in the Reno area present a localized health concern. The most significant bacterial illnesses associated with the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (D. andersoni) are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and Tularemia. RMSF is a serious bacterial disease that typically begins with a sudden onset of fever, severe headache, and muscle aches, often followed by a rash several days later.
Tularemia is another illness carried by the wood tick, which can manifest in various forms, including an ulcer at the site of the bite accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of both RMSF and Tularemia are necessary to prevent severe complications. Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached and feeding for at least six hours.
Lyme disease, which is primarily transmitted by the Western Black-legged Tick (I. pacificus), is considered rare in Northern Nevada. The low infection rate in the local tick population and the dry climate limit the spread of the Lyme-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms or a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash after a tick bite should seek medical attention.
Safe Removal and Prevention Measures
Preventing tick bites begins with protective measures before entering wooded or brushy areas, especially during spring and early summer activity peaks. Wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach. It is also helpful to wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pant legs into socks to create a barrier against ticks climbing from the ground.
Chemical repellents offer a reliable defense against tick attachment. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied directly to exposed skin. For clothing and gear, an application of Permethrin provides long-lasting protection, as this chemical kills ticks on contact. After spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets.
If a tick is found attached, proper removal is necessary to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, near the mouthparts. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking motions that could cause the mouthparts to break off. After removal, the bite area should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.