Tick Season in Montana: Species, Disease Risks, and How to Stay Protected
March 29, 2026
Montana is one of the most breathtaking states in the country — wide-open plains, towering peaks, and endless trails that beg to be explored. But every spring, something small and easy to overlook becomes one of the most important health considerations for anyone spending time outdoors: ticks.
Tick season in Montana is real, and knowing when it peaks, which species are active, and how to protect yourself can make all the difference for your health and your family’s well-being. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can enjoy everything Big Sky Country has to offer while keeping tick encounters safely managed.
Key Insight: Montana’s tick-borne illness rate is relatively low compared to many other states, but cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and tularemia do occur every year — and awareness is your first line of defense.
When Is Tick Season in Montana
Tick season in Montana begins in the spring and extends through the summer, typically from April to July. That said, the window of activity is not as rigid as a calendar date might suggest. Tick activity in Montana is very dependent on the weather: activity may increase anytime the temperature is above freezing, especially following multiple days above 45°F.
Ticks are most active from April through July, but Montanans are most likely to encounter ticks in May. This is typically when conditions — moderate temperatures, moisture from snowmelt, and lush new vegetation — align to create the perfect environment for tick questing behavior.
Ticks are also likely to slow down when summer weather becomes too hot and dry. In Montana, tick season lasts from the onset of warmer weather in the spring until about mid-July when warmer weather and low relative humidity cause the ticks to become inactive. However, don’t assume you’re completely in the clear once August arrives.
Ticks in Montana typically become active when temperatures consistently rise above 40°F. Even a few warmer days in late winter can bring them out of dormancy, especially in grassy areas, brush, and along hiking trails. Ticks can also be active in milder conditions beyond spring and early summer, so it’s important to stay vigilant year-round, particularly in warmer areas.
Pro Tip: Mid-March through mid-July is the core window to be most alert. If you’re heading out for pheasant hunting in Montana or early-season dove hunting, build tick checks into your post-outing routine from the very first warm days of spring.
Types of Ticks Found in Montana
The common ticks in Montana are the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). The two species look very similar, which can make identification tricky in the field — but their geographic ranges within the state do differ.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
The Rocky Mountain wood tick is found on livestock, companion animals, and humans in the spring and summer in Montana. It likes stream corridors, grassy meadows, and south-facing sagebrush slopes. This is the dominant tick species in western Montana and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
It tends to be darker with a defined cream-colored collar on adult males and females. Male wood ticks will have some cream mottling on their bodies, whereas females will be more solid in color. Adult ticks are primarily associated with pathogen transmission to humans, while larvae and nymphs tend to feed on smaller rodents.
American Dog Tick
The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) hails from eastern Montana and prefers the treeless, wide-open plains. The American Dog Tick thrives in the eastern and central parts of the state, while the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick can be found just about anywhere.
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick) — A Developing Concern
Montana has historically not been home to the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. However, this is changing. One tick collected in Dawson County was confirmed to be a blacklegged tick by Rocky Mountain Laboratories in 2024. DPHHS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in the fall of 2024 that two ticks found in Sheridan County were blacklegged ticks.
These two ticks were tested by CDC and no pathogens that can cause illness in humans were detected, including Lyme disease. Currently, there is no known increased risk in Montana for Lyme disease, or other pathogens transmitted by blacklegged ticks. Still, this is a development worth monitoring closely.
Important Note: Understanding how ticks reproduce can help you appreciate why populations shift and expand over time. Tick surveillance in Montana is ongoing, and public reporting plays an important role in tracking these changes.
What type of tick you may encounter can vary, but ticks can be found at any elevation and in both dry and wet regions of the state. No matter where you are in Montana, it pays to be prepared.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Montana
Tick-borne diseases are quite rare in Montana, though they do occur. Commonly reported tick-borne diseases in Montana include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, tularemia, and Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV). Here’s what you should know about each.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Typically, the most common tick-borne illness acquired in Montana is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with a ten-year average of eight cases reported each year. Rocky Mountain spotted fever transmission is rare in Montana; most cases occur in the southern Atlantic region. The tick must remain attached for at least 10 hours before transmission of RMSF can occur.
In many cases, a blotchy red rash will appear on the extremities, often starting with the wrists, palms, and soles of the feet. Other symptoms include severe headache, chills, fever, and body aches. Early antibiotic treatment is important for a good recovery.
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF)
Colorado tick fever occurs only in western states. In Montana, cases have been diagnosed west of the Continental Divide — in southwest and south-central Montana. Symptoms of CTF occur within four days and include chills, headache, fever, muscular aches, and general malaise.
Colorado tick fever, once considered a rare disease in Montana, has been on the rise over the last few years, with several positive cases identified in 2020–2021. In 2020, Montana had 17 cases of CTFV reported, which was an increase from the average of one to two cases per year.
Tularemia
Tularemia is a bacterial infection that both the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick can transmit. Both of these ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, which can make both humans and animals sick. Symptoms can include sudden fever, headache, fatigue, and skin ulcers near the bite site. If you suspect tularemia after a tick bite, see a doctor promptly.
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
A soft-bodied tick that can transmit relapsing fever has also been found in Montana. Relapsing fever is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. It is treatable with antibiotics when caught early.
Lyme Disease — What Montana Residents Should Know
While the state’s tick experts continue to look, the tick that causes Lyme disease, Ixodes scapularis, has not been found established in Montana. To date, all but a single case of Lyme disease reported in Montana have been associated with travel to other areas of the United States and are not believed to have been acquired in the state.
However, given the recent identification of blacklegged ticks in Dawson and Sheridan counties, this is something to watch. You can learn more about tick-borne encephalitis and other emerging tick-borne illnesses to stay informed about the broader disease landscape.
Pro Tip: “Although most are easily treated with antibiotics, many present with general flu-like symptoms, so it’s important to communicate exposure risk to your provider. Early recognition and treatment of the infection decreases the risk of serious complications.” Always mention recent outdoor activity and any tick bites to your doctor.
High-Risk Areas and Habitats in Montana
Ticks aren’t distributed evenly across the landscape. Knowing where they concentrate gives you a significant advantage when planning outdoor activities.
Where Ticks Are Most Commonly Found
- Stream corridors and river bottoms — Moist, shaded environments along waterways are prime tick habitat year-round
- Grassy meadows — Open fields with tall grass are a classic questing zone where ticks wait for passing hosts
- South-facing sagebrush slopes — These warm, sun-exposed hillsides are favored by the Rocky Mountain wood tick
- Wooded and forested areas — Dense vegetation provides the humidity and leaf litter ticks need to survive
- Brushy transition zones — The edges where forest meets meadow or lawn meets wildland are particularly high-risk
- Backyards and neighborhood parks — Spending time outside walking your dogs, camping, gardening, hunting, or hiking could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
Geographic Hotspots in Montana
Montana’s vast and varied landscapes provide an ideal habitat for ticks. From grassy meadows to wooded areas, the state offers plenty of environments where these pests can thrive. The Rocky Mountain wood tick is most prevalent in western Montana, while the American dog tick dominates the eastern plains. The Gallatin National Forest, Glacier National Park, and the Missouri River Breaks are all areas where tick encounters are commonly reported.
The risk of encountering a blacklegged tick may be higher in Dawson and Sheridan counties in northeastern Montana, based on recent surveillance findings. If you’re planning outdoor activities in those areas, extra vigilance is warranted.
High-Risk Activities
Working and recreating outside with activities such as gardening, landscaping, and hunting may increase your chances of encountering a tick, even during the winter. Ticks can be found almost anywhere outside, but they especially love tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. If you’re out hiking or exploring, your best bet is to stay on marked trails and avoid overgrown areas.
Hunters spending time in heavy cover during early seasons should be especially mindful. Learn more about animals that eat ticks — understanding natural tick predators can give you a broader picture of how tick populations are kept in check across Montana’s ecosystems.
Key Insight: Ticks do not jump, fly, or drop from trees. They do not drop down out of trees or jump or fly. They just sit and wait for a warm-blooded creature to wander by, then they latch on with their sticky little legs and start crawling up your body. This “questing” behavior means brushing against vegetation is the most common way to pick one up.
How to Protect Yourself, Children and Pets During Tick Season in Montana
Prevention is the most effective strategy when it comes to ticks. A few consistent habits can dramatically reduce your risk of a tick bite and the illnesses that can follow.
Before You Head Outdoors
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent — Use insect repellents that contain at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and clothing for protection against ticks. Other effective options include picaridin and IR3535.
- Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin — The CDC recommends using products with at least 0.5% permethrin to treat boots, pants, socks, and camping gear. You can also buy permethrin-treated clothing for extra protection.
- Dress appropriately — When trekking through wooded or grassy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Tuck your pant legs into your socks for an added layer of protection.
- Wear light-colored clothing — This makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on your clothes before they reach your skin.
While You’re Outside
- Stay on the center of marked trails and avoid walking through tall grass or brush
- Avoid sitting directly on the ground, especially in wooded or grassy areas
- Periodically check yourself and children for ticks during long outdoor activities
After Coming Indoors
- Shower promptly — Showering within 2 hours after coming indoors has been shown to reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease and may also be effective in reducing risk of other tick-borne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good opportunity to check for ticks.
- Do a thorough tick check — After spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself and any accompanying children or pets. Pay close attention to your underarms, ears, belly button, behind your knees, between your legs, around your waist, and especially in your hair.
- Dry your clothes on high heat — Put dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, dry thoroughly and then tumble dry on high for 10 more minutes.
- Check your gear — Inspect backpacks, jackets, and any equipment that was in contact with vegetation.
Protecting Children
Children are at elevated risk simply because they tend to play closer to the ground and in vegetation-heavy areas. Apply repellent for them (avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth), check them thoroughly after outdoor play, and make tick checks a fun, routine part of coming home. Keep in mind that OLE and PMD products shouldn’t be used on children under 3 years old.
Protecting Your Pets
Dogs are also susceptible to ticks, and if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of ticks on your furry friend. Check them regularly after they’ve been outdoors, particularly around the ears, neck, underbelly, and between their toes. Veterinary-approved tick preventatives are also highly recommended.
Tick prevention works best when it begins before your pet is exposed. Once ticks attach and begin feeding, the risk of disease transmission increases and treatment becomes more complicated than simple prevention. Talk to your vet before tick season begins. For more detailed guidance, see these tips for preventing tick-borne diseases in your dog.
Yard and Property Management
You can also reduce tick habitat around your home with a few simple steps:
- Keep your yard tidy. Regularly mow your lawn and remove brush or leaf piles, which can serve as hotspots for ticks.
- Place a 3-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick movement into recreational areas.
- Stack firewood neatly in dry, sunny areas away from the home
- Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and tree lines
What to Do If You Find a Tick in Montana
Finding a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet is understandably unsettling — but a calm, prompt response is what matters most. If you find a tick attached to your skin, do not panic. Just remove the tick as soon as possible.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers — Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Don’t twist or jerk — Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
- Clean the area thoroughly — After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick properly — Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
- Never crush a tick with your fingers — Never crush a tick with your fingers. This can spread pathogens.
Common Mistake: Avoid folklore remedies such as “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. These methods do not work and may actually increase the risk of disease transmission.
After Tick Removal — What to Watch For
Experts say you should keep the tick in a jar or ziplock bag in case you become ill, so that you can give it to your health professional if necessary. Monitor the bite area and your overall health for the next several weeks.
All tick-borne diseases can cause fever and chills. Tick-borne diseases can also cause headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The early symptoms of tick-borne illnesses are often similar and include fever, persistent headaches, and body aches. If any of these symptoms develop within days to weeks of a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider right away and mention the tick exposure.
Current research indicates ticks must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease, which makes it all the more important to check yourself for ticks if you’ve been outdoors. The sooner you find and remove a tick, the better.
Reporting Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illness in Montana
Montana’s public health infrastructure takes tick surveillance seriously, and your participation as a resident or visitor genuinely helps protect the broader community.
How to Report a Tick or Tick Bite
You can share information about where and what kind of ticks you found directly with DPHHS. Notifying them of what types of ticks you found allows them to better understand what kinds of diseases spread by ticks may be present in Montana. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) maintains an active tick surveillance program and welcomes reports from the public through their official website at dphhs.mt.gov.
DPHHS is launching a citizen scientist program and is requesting the public’s help in tick surveillance, especially in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Anyone who thinks they have found a blacklegged tick is encouraged to fill out an online form. The form is also on the DPHHS website and includes instructions on how to submit the tick for identification.
Tips for Photographing a Tick Before Submission
If you’re submitting a tick for identification, DPHHS offers specific guidance to help ensure your photos are usable:
- Photograph the tick against a solid white or light-colored background.
- Position the tick in the photograph so that it is next to an object with a standardized size, like a ruler or a coin.
- Avoid taking pictures while the tick is still attached to a human or animal, as many important identifying features can be hidden.
- Avoid taking pictures where there is a shadow, where the tick is out of focus, or where the camera is too far away to identify features.
Reporting Tick-Borne Illness
Public health departments in Montana investigate reports of tick-borne illnesses every year and monitor trends closely, as tick-borne diseases are on the rise across the country. If you’ve been diagnosed with a tick-borne illness, your healthcare provider is required to report it to the local public health department. You can also contact your county health department directly if you have concerns about a tick bite or illness.
Serological tests such as ELISA and IFA measure the human immune response to tick-borne diseases and are performed at the Montana Public Health Laboratory. Your doctor can order these tests if tick-borne illness is suspected based on your symptoms and recent exposure history.
Key Insight: “Not all types of ticks carry all tick-borne illnesses,” stated Devon Cozart, DPHHS vector-borne disease epidemiologist. “The presence of this new type of tick in the state could mean that Montanans have an increased risk of exposure to diseases that weren’t previously a threat in Montana.” Reporting helps state health officials track exactly this kind of change.
Tick season in Montana is manageable when you stay informed and take consistent precautions. Whether you’re hiking Glacier, hunting the eastern plains, or simply enjoying your backyard, a few simple habits — repellent, protective clothing, and regular tick checks — go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy all season long.