Ticks, small arachnids related to spiders, are commonly found in outdoor environments. Understanding their behaviors and habitats is important for safe navigation of natural spaces.
Tick Prevalence in Oregon
Ticks are common across various parts of Oregon. These arachnids thrive in diverse landscapes, from urban backyards to dense wilderness areas. Oregon’s climate and vegetation create suitable conditions for tick populations to flourish.
Ample vegetation, moderate temperatures, and host availability contribute to their sustained presence. This widespread distribution makes awareness and precautions relevant for nearly all Oregon residents and visitors.
Common Oregon Tick Species
Oregon is home to approximately 20 species of hard ticks, though only a few are typically encountered by humans. The Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), also known as a deer tick, is one of the most recognized species. It appears brown with two brown body segments.
Other species found in Oregon include the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), which is reddish-brown or brown and pear-shaped. The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is common in grassy and wooded areas throughout the state. The Pacific Coast tick is also present, primarily found along Oregon’s coastline and in some inland areas.
Where and When to Expect Ticks
Ticks in Oregon inhabit various environments, including wooded areas, tall grasses, and brush. They are often found in leaf litter and on low branches or shrubs, typically not higher than 18-24 inches from the ground.
Tick activity in Oregon generally peaks during spring and early summer, particularly from May through July. Milder winters can extend their active season, making encounters possible year-round in some regions. While ticks are widespread, they are particularly common east of the Cascades, in Southern Oregon, and along the Columbia River at lower elevations.
Tick-Borne Illnesses in Oregon
Several tick-borne illnesses are reported in Oregon, with varying degrees of commonality. Lyme disease is the most frequently reported, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by the Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). Symptoms can include a bull’s-eye rash, fever, headache, and muscle or joint aches. Transmission typically requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more.
Anaplasmosis is another illness present in Oregon, though less common, with only one or two cases reported annually. It is also transmitted by the Western black-legged tick and can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is rarely contracted in Oregon but is a serious disease. It can be transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick, with symptoms including fever, headache, and rash. Other very rare tick-borne diseases in Oregon include Colorado Tick Fever, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and Tularemia.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Taking preventative measures is effective in reducing the risk of tick bites. When outdoors in tick habitats, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially if pant legs are tucked into socks. Choosing light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. Treating clothing and gear with permethrin-based products can also deter ticks. After spending time outdoors, tumble dry clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any lingering ticks.
Performing thorough tick checks on your body, clothing, and pets after outdoor activities is important.
- Pay close attention to areas like the armpits, groin, scalp, and behind the ears and knees, as ticks often seek out these concealed spots.
- Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks.
- If a tick is found attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure.
- Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water, and seek medical attention if symptoms of illness develop.