Ticks are a recognized presence throughout Vermont, and understanding the potential health risks they pose is important for spending time outdoors. These tiny arachnids carry several pathogens, making awareness and preventive measures necessary. While numerous species inhabit the region, the primary public health concern stems from a single, highly prevalent type. This guide offers an overview of the specific ticks found in Vermont, their active periods, the illnesses they transmit, and the best strategies for protection.
Tick Species Found in Vermont
Vermont is home to over a dozen different tick species, but two are most commonly encountered by humans: the Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis). The Blacklegged Tick, also known as the Deer Tick, accounts for virtually all tick-borne illnesses reported in the state. This species is small; the nymph stage is about the size of a poppy seed, making it difficult to spot.
Adult female Blacklegged Ticks have a reddish-brown body contrasting with a black dorsal shield. The American Dog Tick is noticeably larger, and females have a distinctive mottled tan or silvery-white pattern on their backs. While frequently encountered, the American Dog Tick is not a major vector for diseases in Vermont. The Blacklegged Tick can transmit multiple pathogens throughout its two-year life cycle.
Geographic Spread and Seasonal Activity
The Blacklegged Tick has steadily expanded its presence across Vermont, moving northward from the southern regions. Today, the highest rates of tick-human interaction occur in the western and eastern border regions, particularly within the Champlain and Connecticut River valleys. Survey data indicates that the highest density of infected ticks is found in the southwestern part of Vermont.
Ticks “quest” by climbing onto vegetation and waiting for a host to brush past. They prefer habitats with leaf litter, wooded areas, and tall grasses, which provide necessary humidity and cover. Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but peak activity occurs during distinct periods. The highest risk of human infection is during late spring and early summer (May and June), when the tiny nymphal stage is most active. A second surge occurs in the fall (October and November) as adult ticks seek a final host before winter.
Specific Diseases Transmitted by Vermont Ticks
The Blacklegged Tick transmits several diseases, with Lyme disease being the most common illness reported in Vermont. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and initial symptoms appear three to 30 days following a bite. Up to 80 percent of infected people develop a characteristic expanding rash, often described as a bull’s-eye, accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain.
Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis are also transmitted by this tick. Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) symptoms include severe headache, fever, and muscle aches, usually manifesting five to 21 days after exposure. Babesiosis (Babesia microti) presents with fever, chills, and fatigue one to four weeks after a bite.
The Blacklegged Tick can also transmit Powassan virus disease and hard tick relapsing fever. Powassan virus is notable because transmission can occur within minutes of a bite, unlike the hours required for bacterial infections. If flu-like symptoms or a rash develop in the weeks following a tick bite, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Prevention Strategies and Safe Removal
Preventing tick bites involves personal protection and landscape management.
Personal Protection
- Apply an EPA-registered repellent containing ingredients such as DEET or picaridin to exposed skin.
- Pre-treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot, and tuck pants into socks.
- Upon returning indoors, immediately place clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least ten minutes.
- Taking a shower within two hours can help wash away ticks that have not yet attached.
- Perform daily full-body tick checks, focusing on hidden areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp.
Landscape Management
For yards, regularly mowing grass, clearing leaf litter, and creating wood chip or gravel barriers between wooded areas and lawns can reduce tick populations.
If an attached tick is found, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it safely. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, near the mouthparts. Pull upward with a slow, steady motion, avoiding twisting or jerking, to ensure the mouthparts do not break off. Do not attempt to use methods like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat, as this can cause the tick to release more infectious fluids. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.