Tick Season in Arkansas: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
March 28, 2026
Arkansas is one of the most tick-dense states in the country, and spending time outdoors here means you are almost certain to encounter these tiny parasites at some point. The state has some of the highest rates in the nation for tick-borne diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. That is a sobering fact, but it does not mean you need to stay indoors.
Understanding tick season in Arkansas — when ticks are most active, which species are present, and how to protect yourself — puts you in a much stronger position. With the right knowledge and a few simple habits, you can enjoy the Natural State’s trails, forests, and backyards with confidence.
Key Insight: Just because a tick bites you does not mean it carries a disease or that you will get sick — many Arkansans are bitten by ticks every year and remain healthy.
When Is Tick Season in Arkansas?
Tick season is a yearly event in Arkansas, and warm weather arrival also means the arrival of tick season. Most people associate spring and summer with peak tick activity, and that is largely accurate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks are most active between April and October, peaking in the summer.
However, the reality in Arkansas is more nuanced. Though people refer to spring and summer as “tick season,” most species are active all 12 months of the year in different stages of development. Cold, harsh winters in Arkansas have little effect on tick populations. Tick species found in the state are adapted to survive harsh winters — some survive in leaf litter, soil, and other protected sites, while a few others may survive the winter on their host.
Warmer winters are affecting the speed of tick life cycles. Without the chill to suppress them, tick populations appear to be on the rise year-round. If you are heading outdoors in Arkansas — whether it is January or July — a tick check when you return is always a smart habit.
Pro Tip: For you to get an infection or illness from a tick, it generally has to be embedded for at least 12 to 24 hours. If you get it off soon, that reduces your risk even further.
Types of Ticks Found in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to at least five tick species. Each species has variations in peak activity times, preferred hosts, preferred habitats, and the diseases they can spread. Knowing which tick you are dealing with can help you assess your risk and respond appropriately.
To understand how ticks reproduce and develop through their life stages helps explain why different species are active at different times of year.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
The lone star tick is what is seen most often in Arkansas, making up roughly 90% of tick encounters in the state. Easily identified by the white spot on the back of adult females, this aggressive biter is found throughout the state and is most active from early spring to late fall. Human ehrlichiosis occurs primarily in the southeastern and south-central regions of the country and is transmitted by the lone star tick, one of the most abundant ticks found in Arkansas.
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
The American dog tick is usually found in open, grassy areas like fields, forest edges, sidewalks, and trails. They prefer areas with little to no tree cover. Adults can be found from March through September, peaking from May through July. The American dog tick is the most commonly identified species responsible for transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans. It can also transmit tularemia.
Blacklegged Tick / Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is less common in Arkansas but potentially dangerous, as it can carry Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Blacklegged ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, are active as long as the temperature stays above freezing. It is important to note that the pathogen causing Lyme disease is not transmitted everywhere the blacklegged tick lives. In some regions, particularly in the southern U.S., the tick has very different feeding habits that make it an unlikely vector in the spread of human disease.
Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
The brown dog tick is found primarily around homes and kennels, especially in warmer months. Dogs are the primary host for the brown dog tick for each of its life stages, although the tick may also bite humans or other mammals. This makes it especially important to monitor your pets year-round, particularly if they spend time outdoors.
Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
The Gulf Coast tick resides in coastal areas of the United States along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. It can transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a form of spotted fever. Larvae and nymphs feed on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other wildlife. Adult ticks have been associated with the transmission of R. parkeri to humans.
Important Note: Ticks cannot jump or fly, but they can climb, crawl, or fall onto you. They can also hitch a ride on pets, including pets that have been treated for ticks.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Arkansas
In Arkansas, ticks are responsible for more human disease than any other arthropod or insect. Tick-borne diseases can result in mild symptoms treatable at home to severe infections requiring hospitalization. Although easily treated with antibiotics, these diseases can be difficult for physicians to diagnose. However, early recognition and treatment decrease the risk of serious complications.
You can find more detailed information on tick-borne diseases from the Arkansas Department of Health. Here is what you need to know about the most common ones.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most prevalent and severe tick-borne disease in Arkansas. Health officials note that ticks carrying RMSF are often found in overgrown lots and along weedy roadsides, paths, and hiking trails, and that most RMSF cases occur between June and August.
Early symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle pain, and lack of appetite. A rash of small, flat, pink, non-itchy spots on the wrists, forearms, and ankles may first appear two to five days after the onset of fever. It is important to get medical care as soon as possible if you think you have RMSF. Blood tests are required to diagnose it, but treatment should begin as soon as symptoms and recent tick exposure suggest the disease.
Ehrlichiosis
Human ehrlichiosis symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, malaise, and muscle ache. Rashes are uncommon in adults but occur in about 60 percent of pediatric patients. Ehrlichiosis is a serious illness that can be fatal if not treated correctly, even in previously healthy people. Prompt antibiotic treatment is advised for patients suspected of having ehrlichiosis.
Three states — Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas — account for 35 percent of all reported Ehrlichia chaffeensis infections. This makes ehrlichiosis a particularly important disease for Arkansans to be aware of.
Tularemia
Tularemia, also called rabbit fever, is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease is named after Tulare County in California, where it was first discovered in 1911. It is transmitted to humans and animals by D. variabilis (the wood tick) and A. americanum (the lone star tick). Although tularemia can be life-threatening, most infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. According to the CDC case definition, Arkansas is considered a low-incidence state, with fewer than 10 confirmed cases per 100,000 people for the previous three reporting years. The classic sign of early-stage Lyme disease is a slowly expanding red rash that may fade in the center as it spreads away from the tick bite location, often described as looking like a bull’s-eye with alternating light and dark rings.
For a deeper look at how this disease works, see our article on tick-borne encephalitis and other neurological tick-borne illnesses.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)
Some lone star tick bites can cause a condition that functions like an allergy to the red meat of mammals — including beef, pork, and venison. It can also cause reactions to some animal byproducts, like gelatins and glycerine, that are used in everything from cosmetics to over-the-counter medications. Alpha-Gal Syndrome was first described in scientific literature in 2002 and has only recently become widely recognized by the public.
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
A rash similar to the rash of Lyme disease has been described in humans following bites of the lone star tick. The rash may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pains. This condition is called Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The cause of STARI is not yet known.
| Disease | Primary Tick Vector | Key Symptoms | Risk Level in Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | American Dog Tick | Fever, headache, spotted rash | High — most common TBD in state |
| Ehrlichiosis | Lone Star Tick | Fever, headache, muscle ache | High — AR among top 3 states |
| Tularemia | Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick | Skin ulcer, fever, swollen lymph nodes | Moderate — reported annually |
| Lyme Disease | Blacklegged Tick | Bull’s-eye rash, fatigue, joint pain | Low — low-incidence state |
| Alpha-Gal Syndrome | Lone Star Tick | Red meat allergy, hives, GI issues | Moderate — emerging concern |
| STARI | Lone Star Tick | Bull’s-eye-like rash, fatigue | Moderate — cause unknown |
High-Risk Areas and Habitats in Arkansas
Ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and brushy habitats, making them a common sight in Arkansas. Arkansas Department of Health entomologist David Theuret noted that ticks are most often found in wooded, brushy areas and in tall grass. Anywhere that wildlife roams — deer, rodents, rabbits — ticks are likely to follow.
In Arkansas, ticks are commonly found in shady areas along roads, meadows, and woods. The risk of picking up ticks is greater in wooded or brushy areas and in the edge area between lawns and woods. That transitional “edge zone” — where your yard meets a tree line or brushy area — is one of the most overlooked high-risk spots for tick exposure.
If you enjoy hunting in Arkansas, be aware that dove hunting season in Arkansas overlaps significantly with peak tick season, making tick prevention an important part of your outdoor preparation. You should also know that certain animals naturally eat ticks and help reduce local populations — a helpful piece of context when thinking about wildlife and habitat management on your property.
Important Note: Health officials caution that ticks are often found in overgrown lots and along weedy roadsides, paths, and hiking trails. Even a short walk through unmowed grass or a roadside ditch carries real risk during peak season.
High-risk environments in Arkansas include:
- Ozark National Forest and surrounding hardwood forests
- Ouachita National Forest trails and recreation areas
- River bottoms and floodplain areas with dense vegetation
- Overgrown lots, weedy roadsides, and unmowed fields
- Backyards bordering woodland or brushy areas
- Campgrounds, hunting blinds, and picnic areas near tall grass
How to Protect Yourself, Children, and Pets During Tick Season in Arkansas
The good news is that most tick encounters can be prevented with consistent, simple habits. Ticks are just one part of Arkansas’s vibrant natural landscape, and with a few precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors without fear. Taking the necessary precautions when in the deep woods will greatly reduce your risk of a tick bite.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Start with your clothing and repellent choices before you head outside. Use an EPA-approved insect repellent as directed. Apply permethrin to your clothing as directed. Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your pants into socks or boots.
Look for repellent products with at least 20% active ingredient, such as DEET, IR3535, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. In brushy areas, wear clothing that leaves little skin exposed, especially from the hips down. Most ticks are no higher than 24 inches off the ground when they find their way onto a human, so tall socks and long pants go a long way in preventing a tick from accessing your skin.
When you are out on a trail, walk in the middle of a hiking trail or path and avoid tall grass and leaf litter. After returning indoors, complete a quick visual check for ticks. Remove exposed clothing and place it in the dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks. If you have children, help them check for ticks, especially in their hair.
Protecting Your Pets
It is best to contact your vet for any concerns about tick bites on pets. Year-round tick prevention for dogs and cats is especially important in Arkansas given how long ticks remain active. Topical and oral flea and tick medications, sprays, shampoos, and dips offer additional protection. These products kill adult fleas and ticks and stop the development of larvae and eggs. Check with your pet’s veterinarian before using one of these products for the first time, particularly if your pet is very young, old, or has a chronic health condition.
For more guidance on keeping your dog safe, see our resource on preventing tick-borne diseases in your dog. It can take up to 24 hours or longer for attached ticks to transmit diseases to your pet. Removing ticks as soon as possible is essential for your pet’s health. Do not forget to check your pet’s paws and ears too.
Protecting Your Yard
Your own backyard can be a significant source of tick exposure, particularly if it borders wooded or brushy areas. Clearing debris and brush may prevent ticks from invading your yard. For everyday forays into the outdoors, protecting your home with a barrier treatment is the best way to ensure that you do not become a target for ticks.
- Keep grass mowed to a manageable height
- Remove leaf litter, brush piles, and wood stacks from yard edges
- Create a gravel or wood chip barrier between your lawn and wooded areas
- Consider yard-safe tick sprays, especially from May through September
- Discourage deer and rodents — primary tick hosts — from entering your property
Pro Tip: Use flea and tick spray on grass, shrubs, and plants to kill ticks. Products that promise to kill both adult ticks, eggs, and larvae offer the best protection.
What to Do If You Find a Tick in Arkansas
Finding a tick on yourself, your child, or your pet can be unsettling — but staying calm and acting quickly makes a real difference. Research has shown that in most cases, ticks must be attached for 24 to 36 hours for tick-borne diseases to be transmitted. Prompt removal is your best defense.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Do not twist or jerk the tick.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
- Save the tick in a sealed container if you want to have it identified later.
- Watch for signs of illness over the next few weeks.
Common Mistake: Do not twist or jerk the tick, or use home remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or waiting for the tick to fall off. These methods can increase the chance that a tick may transmit disease.
What to Watch For After a Tick Bite
If you or your child gets a tick bite, be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, fatigue, and aches and pains within the weeks following the bite. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a medical provider quickly. Make sure to discuss the tick bite, where you acquired the tick, and your symptoms with your doctor.
Many tick-borne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. If you have been bitten by a tick and develop symptoms within a few weeks, a health care provider should evaluate your symptoms, the geographic region in which you were bitten, and diagnostic tests, if indicated by the symptoms and the region where you were bitten.
After removing a tick, you have two options: sending the tick off for testing or disposing of it. If you are concerned about becoming infected, you can ask your doctor where to send the tick for disease testing. To dispose of the tick, you can either flush it down the toilet or place it in a container of rubbing alcohol.
Reporting Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illness in Arkansas
Reporting tick bites and tick-borne illness plays an important role in protecting public health across the state. Despite Arkansas being a hotbed of tick abundance and tick-borne diseases, many cases go untreated or are misdiagnosed because of the lack of awareness for these diseases among the public and medical communities. Your report can help change that.
Reporting to the Arkansas Department of Health
The ADH wants Arkansans to be tick aware so that if you are bitten and show signs of illness, you may receive appropriate treatment early on to prevent more severe outcomes. You can report tick-borne illness concerns and access resources directly through the Arkansas Department of Health’s tick-borne disease page.
When you see a doctor after a tick bite, be prepared to share:
- The date and approximate location where you were bitten
- How long the tick appeared to be attached
- The type of tick, if you were able to identify or save it
- Any symptoms you have developed since the bite
Contributing to Tick Research in Arkansas
The University of Arkansas’s Arkansas Tick Project is actively collecting ticks around the state, identifying them, and screening them for disease-causing agents using DNA sequencing technology. Their goal is to determine high-risk areas and what disease-causing agents are present in the state, then distribute this information so people can be more vigilant about protecting themselves.
Ticks can be found in your yard, the woods, on an animal, or on you. Ideal participants in this study are individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors during work or recreation and encounter large numbers of ticks through their activities. You can contact the UAMS Arkansas Tick-Borne Pathogen Surveillance Program at ARTickTesting@uams.edu for more information on submitting ticks.
Key Insight: Early recognition and treatment of tick-borne infection decreases the risk of serious complications. See your doctor immediately if you have been bitten by a tick and experience any concerning symptoms.
Tick season in Arkansas is a year-round reality, but it does not have to limit your time outdoors. By knowing when and where ticks are most active, recognizing the species you might encounter, and building consistent prevention habits, you can significantly reduce your risk. Stay aware, do your tick checks, and do not hesitate to seek medical attention if something does not feel right after a bite. The outdoors in Arkansas are worth protecting — and so are you.