Ticks in Tennessee
Which Types of Ticks Live in Tennessee?
There are six key species of ticks that live in various parts of our state. Click on the name of each tick below to see its scientific name, where it is mainly distributed in the U.S., which diseases it transmits in Tennessee, and other relevant notes. For more information on the different species of ticks, see the CDC's Tick ID web page.
Scientific name: Dermacentor variabilis
Distributed: East of the Rocky Mountains and on parts of the Pacific Coast
Transmits: Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Comments: Highest risk of being bitten occurs in spring and summer
Scientific name: Ixodes scapularis
Distributed: Eastern U.S.
Transmits: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus
Comments: May bite humans any time of year that temperatures are above freezing
Scientific name: Amblyomma maculatum
Distributed: Southeastern and mid-Atlantic states
Transmits: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Comments: Mostly feed on birds, small rodents, deer, and other wildlife
Scientific name: Haemaphysalis longicornis
Distributed: Eastern United States; recently found in Eastern TN
Transmits: Nothing that affects humans in the U.S.
Comments: Invasive species that can reproduce quickly and cause infestations
Scientific name: Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Distributed: Worldwide
Transmits: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Comments: Primarily bites dogs, but can also bite humans or other mammals
Scientific name: Amblyomma americanum
Distributed: Eastern and more commonly southeastern U.S.
Transmits: Ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus, STARI, Alpha-gal Syndrome
Comments: Very aggressive tick distinguishable by a white dot on the backs of adult females
Where are These Ticks Located in Tennessee?
Generally, all of these tick species inhabit the same types of environments within our state. They are commonly found in wooded, brushy areas such as forests, and they can even be found in grassy fields or yards. In order to prevent getting bitten (and potentially contracting a tick-borne disease), always take the proper precautions when spending time outdoors in Tennessee.
The following map provides a general idea of where Ixodes ticks have and can be found throughout the state.
Map of Reported and Established Ixodes Ticks, 2018-2019
