Ticks in Tennessee represent a significant public health concern because multiple species found throughout the state carry disease-causing organisms. Ticks are arachnids, not insects, and their habit of feeding on the blood of animals, including humans, makes them highly effective at transmitting pathogens. Tennessee’s diverse environments, from dense forests to brushy fields, provide an ideal habitat for several tick species. This widespread presence necessitates awareness and protective measures for anyone spending time outdoors.
Primary Tick Species Found in Tennessee
The most prevalent and medically relevant ticks in Tennessee are the Lone Star tick, the American Dog tick, and the Blacklegged tick, each associated with distinct health threats.
The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the most aggressive human biter in the state, often actively pursuing hosts through tall grass and brush. Adult females are identified by the single silvery-white spot on their backs. This species transmits the bacteria that cause Ehrlichiosis and is the sole vector linked to Alpha-gal Syndrome.
The American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), sometimes called the Wood tick, is common in grassy areas, along trails, and in low-lying vegetation. This tick is the main vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in the eastern United States and can also transmit Tularemia. American Dog ticks are reddish-brown with mottled white or gray markings, and their peak activity occurs during the spring and summer.
The Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), or Deer tick, transmits Lyme disease. While historically less common in Tennessee, its population is expanding, making it a growing concern, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. The Blacklegged tick is much smaller than the other two species, and its nymphs and adults can remain active even during warmer periods of the winter.
Seasonal Activity and Geographic Hotspots
Tick activity in Tennessee is not confined to a single season, though the risk level fluctuates depending on the species and life stage. Peak activity for the Lone Star tick and the American Dog tick runs from early spring through late summer, corresponding with warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activity. During this period, all life stages, from larval “seed ticks” to adults, are actively seeking a blood meal.
The Blacklegged tick presents a different risk pattern because adults can be active any time temperatures are above freezing, even during late fall and winter. This means tick checks are necessary year-round in Tennessee. Ticks inhabit a variety of environments, including wooded areas, tall grasses, dense brush, and transitional zones where lawns meet forests. While the risk is state-wide, areas with high deer populations and popular hiking trails, such as those in East Tennessee’s mountains and Middle Tennessee’s wooded parks, are considered hotspots.
Health Risks Associated with Tennessee Ticks
The diseases transmitted by Tennessee ticks can cause serious illness. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a significant local concern, as Tennessee has one of the highest reported incidences of this disease. RMSF, transmitted primarily by the American Dog tick, typically presents with a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, and often a rash appearing a few days later. Early antibiotic treatment is necessary, as delays can lead to life-threatening complications involving damage to blood vessels.
Ehrlichiosis, transmitted by the Lone Star tick, is another common illness in the state, with cases peaking during late spring and mid-summer. Symptoms usually begin one to two weeks after a bite and include fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. If treatment is delayed, Ehrlichiosis can progress to severe illness involving organ failure.
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a unique, non-infectious condition transmitted by the Lone Star tick, which triggers an allergy to mammalian meat like beef, pork, and venison. The tick bite transfers a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which sensitizes the immune system. Unlike typical food allergies, the reaction to eating mammalian products is often delayed by two to six hours, presenting as hives, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, or anaphylaxis. While Lyme disease incidence is lower compared to northern states, the Blacklegged tick is present and remains a potential health risk in the region.
How to Safely Remove Ticks and Prevent Bites
Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid tick-borne diseases, and simple precautions significantly reduce risk. When spending time in wooded or grassy areas, wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and treating clothing and gear with permethrin provides chemical protection.
Upon returning indoors, immediately showering and performing a thorough tick check is recommended, as transmission risk increases the longer a tick remains attached. Ticks prefer warm, hidden areas, so check the following locations:
- The scalp
- Behind the ears
- Armpits
- Groin
- Behind the knees
If a tick is found, safe removal is necessary. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, near the mouthparts. Pull the tick straight upward with slow, steady pressure. Be careful not to twist, jerk, or squeeze the tick’s body, which could cause the mouthparts to break off or force infectious fluid into the bite site. Avoid using folk remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat, as these methods can irritate the tick and increase pathogen transmission. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.