Ticks are a common concern in Virginia’s natural environments, posing a health risk to outdoor enthusiasts. Understanding when ticks are most active and knowing the prevalent species helps individuals take appropriate precautions for effective protection.
Understanding Tick Activity in Virginia
Tick activity in Virginia occurs year-round, with distinct peaks. Ticks are generally most active during warmer months, from April to September, with peak activity often in June and July. Different life stages contribute to this presence. For instance, blacklegged tick nymphs, which are very small, are most active during late spring and early summer, while adults are most active in late winter to early summer. Lone star and American dog ticks also show heightened activity during spring and summer. Even during mild winter days, ticks can remain active.
Common Tick Species and Their Preferred Habitats
Three tick species commonly bite humans in Virginia: the blacklegged tick, the lone star tick, and the American dog tick. Each species has distinct identifying features and prefers specific habitats.
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), often called the deer tick, is dark brown or black, with females having a reddish-brown body behind a black shield. These ticks are typically found in shady suburban forest areas, leaf litter, or dense vegetation. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is recognizable by a white dot on the center of the adult female’s back. It inhabits wooded areas and fields, commonly found in Virginia’s coastal and Piedmont regions. The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is dark reddish-brown with whitish-gray markings, and adult females have an off-white patterned shield. These ticks prefer sunny, open areas with less tree cover, such as trail edges, fields with medium-height grass, or shrubby overgrown areas.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Wearing appropriate clothing helps reduce the likelihood of tick bites outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tucking pant legs into socks or boots. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
When hiking, stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass, dense brush, or leaf litter where ticks often reside. After returning indoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and pets, paying close attention to areas like the scalp, ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Treating clothing and gear with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, also provides protection.
Tick-Borne Illnesses and Post-Bite Actions
Several tick-borne illnesses are found in Virginia, with Lyme disease being the most commonly reported. Other illnesses include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome. Symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes a rash.
If a tick is found attached to the skin, prompt and proper removal is important. 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 the tick, which can cause its mouthparts to break off. After removal, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Seek medical attention if a rash or fever develops within several days to weeks after a tick bite. This includes the “bull’s-eye” rash associated with Lyme disease, which may appear 3 to 30 days after a bite. Other reasons to consult a healthcare provider include flu-like symptoms, persistent pain or blistering at the bite site, or if the tick was attached for an extended period, such as more than 24 hours. Early detection and treatment prevent more severe complications from tick-borne diseases.