Ticks are widespread and active across South Carolina, posing a year-round concern due to the state’s warm, humid climate and diverse geography. These arachnids are external parasites that must attach to a host to feed on blood, which is the mechanism by which they can transmit pathogens. At any given time, the state’s environment supports multiple tick species. While the risk of encountering a tick increases during the warmer months, the mild South Carolina winters mean that different species remain active and pose a risk even when temperatures drop.
Confirming Tick Presence Across South Carolina
South Carolina’s environment creates an ideal habitat for numerous tick species to thrive. The state’s long, humid summers and relatively short, mild winters allow for extended periods of tick activity compared to northern regions. Ticks are found statewide, from the heavily wooded foothills of the Upstate to the marshy scrubland of the Lowcountry. They prefer environments with dense vegetation, such as forests, brushy areas, and tall grasses, where they wait for a host. Ticks employ a behavior called questing, where they climb onto low-lying plants and extend their front legs, waiting to latch onto an animal or person.
Identifying Major South Carolina Tick Species
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) frequently encounters several species, with the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) being the most commonly collected. The adult female is easily recognizable by a distinct, solitary white or silvery-white spot on her reddish-brown back. Lone Star Ticks are known for their aggressive pursuit of hosts.
The American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is present throughout the state. These ticks have a brown body with white or grayish markings on the adult dorsal shield. They are frequently found in grassy areas, along trails, and in wooded regions.
The Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the Deer Tick, is found across South Carolina, though typically in lower numbers than the Lone Star Tick. This species is much smaller, with a reddish-brown body and darkened legs. It is the primary vector for Lyme disease in the United States.
The Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is also reported, often found near the coastline, favoring open or grassy fields. The adult male has a web-like pattern of white lines, while the female has bright white markings on her dorsal shield. The Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is unique in its ability to complete its entire life cycle indoors, posing a risk in homes with pets throughout the state.
Health Risks Transmitted by SC Ticks
Ticks in South Carolina are vectors for several bacterial and viral pathogens. The Lone Star Tick transmits the bacteria that cause Ehrlichiosis, a disease presenting with flu-like symptoms. This tick is also the primary vector for Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), which results in a rash similar to Lyme disease. The Lone Star Tick is also notorious for causing alpha-gal syndrome, a reaction to a sugar molecule transmitted during the bite that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a common concern in the Southeast, transmitted by both the American Dog Tick and the Brown Dog Tick. The Blacklegged Tick is the vector for Lyme disease, though the overall risk in South Carolina is lower than in the Northeast. The Blacklegged Tick can also transmit Anaplasmosis and Borrelia miyamotoi disease, a form of tick-borne relapsing fever.
The Gulf Coast Tick is a vector for Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, an emerging spotted fever illness. The invasive Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has also been identified in South Carolina, and while its role in human disease transmission in the U.S. is still being studied, it is known to carry various pathogens globally.
Seasonal Activity and Preferred Habitats
The activity period for ticks in South Carolina is largely dictated by the specific species and their life cycle. Lone Star Ticks are active from early spring through late fall, generally peaking in May and June. Their preferred habitats include wooded areas and transitional zones between lawns and forests, often found in dense undergrowth.
Blacklegged Ticks display a different pattern, with adults being most active in the cooler months of the fall and spring, and nymphs posing a risk in the late spring and summer. This species is often found in forested and brushy areas where deer and other host animals are common. American Dog Ticks are most active from early spring until the beginning of fall, often found along trails and in fields.
Ticks cannot jump or fly; they remain near the ground, clinging to grasses, shrubs, and low vegetation. The risk of encounter is highest when moving through tall grass, dense woods, or the edges of clearings. Vigilance is advised year-round, as any day the temperature is above freezing can be an active day for certain tick species.