Many associate ticks with lush, humid environments, leading to the belief they are absent from arid regions like Las Vegas. However, ticks are present in the Las Vegas area and its surrounding natural landscapes. Understanding their habitats and the specific types found locally is important for those who spend time outdoors.
Ticks in the Las Vegas Region
While the urban core of Las Vegas is largely a developed desert, the broader region features diverse ecosystems suitable for ticks. These arachnids thrive in areas with vegetation, moisture, and wildlife hosts. Such environments include hiking trails, conservation areas, and parks with tall grasses, especially near mountains or canyons.
Ticks are commonly found in shady, moist places at ground level, clinging to tall grass, brush, and shrubs. The presence of wildlife like deer, rodents, and birds contributes to tick populations by providing necessary blood meals. Areas bordering wooded spaces or those with leaf litter and overgrown vegetation can also harbor ticks, even within residential settings.
Local Tick Species and Health Risks
Several tick species are found in Nevada, including the Las Vegas region, and some can transmit disease-causing organisms. The four main types encountered are the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, Western Blacklegged Tick, American Dog Tick, and Brown Dog Tick. While the risk of disease transmission from a tick bite is low if removed promptly, awareness is important.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
This tick is found in higher elevation habitats like meadows, shrubs, and lightly wooded areas. It can transmit Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tularemia to humans.
Western Blacklegged Tick
Also known as the deer tick, this species is present in parts of Nevada and is a known carrier of Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Powassan Virus. Although Lyme disease cases are rare in Nevada, transmission is possible. This tick inhabits wooded and bushy areas.
American Dog Tick and Brown Dog Tick
The American Dog Tick is a primary vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and can also transmit Tularemia. The Brown Dog Tick is widespread in Nevada and is unique because its life cycle can complete indoors, making it a common household pest where dogs reside. While it primarily feeds on dogs, it can bite humans and transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis.
Staying Safe from Ticks
Taking preventative measures when spending time in tick-prone areas can help reduce the risk of bites. Wear appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, to create a barrier against ticks. Tucking pants into socks or boots further minimizes exposed skin, and choosing light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin. Products containing 0.5% permethrin can treat clothing and outdoor gear for extended protection.
After outdoor activities, check clothing, gear, and pets for ticks before entering indoor spaces. Perform a thorough body check, paying close attention to areas such as:
- Under the arms
- In and around the ears
- Inside the belly button
- Behind the knees
- In the hair and groin
If a tick is found, remove it carefully using fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can also help wash off unattached ticks. Seek medical attention if a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms develop within several weeks of a tick bite.