Buzz
Ticks are most commonly recognized for attaching to your skin in wooded areas, feeding on your blood, and transmitting Lyme disease. However, not all ticks are the same. Different species inhabit different regions, and they do not all spread the same diseases. As stated by the CDC, the ticks to be cautious of include these species:
Blacklegged ticks, commonly referred to as “deer ticks” where I grew up, are found all over the eastern US. These ticks can carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, as well as pathogens that cause anaplasmosis, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.
Western blacklegged ticks are found along the Pacific coast and are known to transmit anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, and relapsing fever.
Lone star ticks are most commonly found in the southern regions, but they can be found across much of the eastern United States. (Their name comes from the distinctive white spot on their back, not from the Lone Star State.) These ticks can carry a variety of illnesses, including ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus disease, Bourbon virus disease, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). In rare cases, people who are bitten by a lone star tick may develop an allergy to meat.
Dog ticks are found in the eastern U.S. and California. These ticks are capable of transmitting tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The species mentioned are among those most likely to bite humans. You can find more information about other species here, and check out range maps for each of these species here.
Since tick bites can lead to more diseases than just Lyme disease, it's crucial to be alert for any unusual symptoms after a tick bite and inform your doctor. If possible, save the tick by placing it in a bag or taping it to paper for potential identification or testing. Your doctor is likely familiar with local ticks and the diseases common in your area, so make sure to mention if you’ve traveled recently—such as if you just returned from a camping trip in another part of the country.
Better yet, prevent tick bites before they happen. Using DEET on your skin and permethrin on your clothes provides a strong defense against ticks. Additionally, taking a shower and performing a nightly tick check can help you spot any ticks that may have hitched a ride.
