Ticks are present throughout Washington State, and residents who spend time outdoors should be aware of the species in their region. These arachnids carry public health significance because certain species can transmit disease-causing pathogens to humans. Understanding which ticks are active, where they live, and how to prevent bites and remove ticks is important for safely enjoying the Pacific Northwest environment. Tick activity is highest during the warmer months.
Identifying Ticks and Their Habitats in Washington
Washington State is home to several tick species, primarily the Western Black-legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni). The Western Black-legged Tick is found predominantly in Western Washington, extending into the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This tick prefers forested areas with dense undergrowth and brush, and is active mainly during the spring and early summer.
The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is located in the eastern parts of the state, often inhabiting woodlands, shrublands, and tall grasses. Another Eastern Washington species is the Western Dog Tick (Dermacentor similis), found in similar sunny, open areas like the edges of woods. Both the Wood Tick and Dog Tick are more robust than the smaller, brownish-black Western Black-legged Tick.
A fourth species, the Soft Tick (Ornithodoros hermsi), is less frequently encountered and has different behavior and habitat. Unlike hard-bodied ticks that attach for days, the Soft Tick feeds quickly, usually at night. It is typically found in mountainous areas inside cabins or shelters infested with rodents.
Health Risks Posed by Washington Ticks
The primary concern with ticks is their ability to transmit pathogens during a blood meal, and several tick-borne diseases occur in Washington. The Western Black-legged Tick is the vector for Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and Anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection affecting white blood cells. Although the risk of acquiring Lyme disease locally is lower than in the Northeastern United States, cases do occur.
Transmission of Lyme disease typically requires the infected tick to be attached for 24 to 48 hours for the bacteria to migrate from the tick’s gut to the host’s bloodstream. Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes a characteristic expanding circular rash known as erythema migrans, appearing days to weeks after the bite. Anaplasmosis presents with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as fever, severe headache, and malaise.
The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick and Western Dog Tick are vectors for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and Tularemia. RMSF is a severe bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, and transmission can occur much more rapidly than Lyme, potentially within hours of attachment. RMSF symptoms begin with a sudden onset of fever and severe headache, often followed by a rash that starts on the wrists and ankles before spreading.
Another infection found in the state is Tick-borne Relapsing Fever, which is transmitted by the Soft Tick. This disease is characterized by recurring episodes of fever lasting several days, separated by periods of feeling well.
Essential Strategies for Prevention and Removal
Preventing tick bites begins with modifying behavior and dress when entering areas with high grass, leaf litter, or dense brush. Wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on the fabric. Tucking long pants into socks creates a physical barrier, as ticks typically start on low vegetation and crawl upward.
Applying a repellent containing 0.5% permethrin to clothing, boots, and gear is effective, as this chemical kills ticks on contact and remains potent through multiple washes. For exposed skin, use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for temporary protection. Permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin.
After spending time outdoors, perform a full-body tick check, paying close attention to areas like the scalp, ears, armpits, and groin. Prompt removal is the best defense against disease transmission if a tick is found attached. To remove an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin. Once removed, dispose of the live tick by placing it in alcohol, a sealed container, or flushing it down the toilet. Immediately clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water, and avoid using folklore remedies like petroleum jelly or heat, as these methods can agitate the tick and increase the risk of infection.