Tick Season in Nebraska: Peak Times, Risky Habitats, and Bite Prevention

Ticks are a real and growing concern for anyone who spends time outdoors in Nebraska — whether you’re hiking a trail, letting the dog run in tall grass, or simply working in your backyard. Recent provisional data from Nebraska shows tick bite-related emergency department and outpatient clinic visit rates throughout the state for 2025 exceed historic averages. That’s not a reason to stay indoors, but it is a reason to be prepared.

Understanding when tick season peaks, which species you’re likely to encounter, and what diseases they can carry gives you the knowledge to enjoy Nebraska’s outdoors without putting your health at unnecessary risk. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from the first warm days of spring to the final cool weeks of fall.

When Is Tick Season in Nebraska

Spring and summer are the primary tick season in Nebraska. Although some species can be active year-round, the highest levels of tick activity correspond to the season when outdoor activities such as trail running, hiking, camping, and morel mushroom hunting begin to take place.

While ticks can bite year-round, their peak season runs from April to October in Nebraska, according to Extension Educator at UNL, Kait Chapman. That’s a wide window, and it overlaps almost entirely with the seasons when most Nebraskans are most active outdoors.

Ticks become active when temperatures consistently hit 40°F. In Omaha, that means an initial emergence as early as March through early April, with peak activity continuing through May and into October. They don’t disappear in winter unless it stays below freezing for extended periods.

Key Insight: Ticks can be active all year round, but May and June are regarded as the height of tick season in Nebraska. The biggest risk for tick-borne disease comes in May through August.

If you’re planning outdoor activities in Nebraska — including pheasant hunting season in Nebraska or dove hunting season — keep in mind that hunting seasons for many species in Nebraska generally run from late summer through winter, and these seasons partially overlap with active periods for medically important tick species in the Midwest and Great Plains.

Types of Ticks Found in Nebraska

The two most common ticks in Nebraska are the American dog tick and the lone star tick. American dog ticks are found throughout the state, while lone star ticks are primarily found in the southeastern part of Nebraska. However, there is growing evidence suggesting that the lone star tick’s distribution is moving further north and west.

A third species has also established a foothold in the state. Until recently, Nebraska did not have established populations of the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). In June 2019, state health officials identified established populations in Douglas, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties. Understanding what each species looks like — and where it tends to be found — helps you assess your risk more accurately.

Lone star ticks are known to be aggressive host seekers. They will even follow carbon dioxide trails left by respiration in order to find blood meals. Meanwhile, brown dog ticks live just about everywhere dogs live, even in homes. They are one of the most widespread ticks on Earth, and unlike other species, they can spend their entire lives indoors.

To understand more about how ticks develop and reproduce across these life stages, see this overview of how ticks reproduce. Ticks found in Nebraska are three-host ticks, meaning they require a different host for each life stage. The entire life cycle may take up to two years to complete.

Pro Tip: Different tick species transmit different illnesses. Should symptoms develop after a bite, knowing what type of tick was involved could help rule out certain diseases. Always save a removed tick in a sealed bag for identification.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Nebraska

While not every tick carries disease, a single bite from an infected tick can lead to weeks — or even months — of illness if not detected and treated early. Tick-borne diseases can affect anyone, but children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

Nebraska residents should be aware of the following tick-borne illnesses:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Spotted fever rickettsia (SFR), including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. American dog ticks are the primary vector. It is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Nebraska, with the state recording an average of 26 cases annually since 2016.

RMSF is the most severe tick-borne illness in the U.S. and, if left untreated, can have a high fatality rate. Nebraska has reported two RMSF-associated deaths since 2015. The Nebraska DHHS notes that RMSF is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, which can lead to serious outcomes.

Tularemia

Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, found in nature in rabbits, muskrats, prairie dogs, and other rodents. Tick bites are the most common transmission route in Nebraska. American dog ticks are the primary vector, while lone star ticks are also considered a potential vector.

Nebraska has had outbreaks of tularemia in 2015 and 2024. The most common form, occurring via tick bites, typically presents with fever, a skin ulcer at the site of the bite, and swelling of lymph glands in the armpit or groin. On average, Nebraska records approximately nine cases per year.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is caused by several bacterial species closely related to the SFR bacteria. Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and less commonly Ehrlichia ewingii, are transmitted via the bite of the lone star tick. Symptoms include severe malaise, fever, and headache.

Nebraska reported its first ehrlichiosis-associated death in 2019. An average of six cases are reported annually within the state, though with the recent expansion of the lone star tick, this disease is likely underdiagnosed.

Lyme Disease

Until recently, Nebraska did not have established populations of the black-legged tick, and past cases of Lyme disease were rare. In June 2019, state health officials identified established populations in Douglas, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties. It is now important for Nebraskans to understand Lyme disease and how to avoid acquiring it.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease can occur weeks or even months after the tick bite and may include fever, chills, severe headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, neck stiffness, and facial palsy. For a deeper look at one serious tick-related neurological condition, read about tick-borne encephalitis.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)

The Nebraska DHHS notes that alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is now a reportable condition in the state. AGS, also commonly known as the “red meat allergy,” is a tick-induced allergy to a sugar molecule known as alpha-gal, found in all mammals except humans and some primates. Symptoms can occur after people consume or are exposed to products made from mammals.

In 2025, DHHS has recorded 15 AGS cases to date, with 60% of those reporting a serious anaphylactic reaction.

Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)

Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) is sometimes identified by a red, expanding “bull’s-eye” rash similar to that seen in Lyme disease patients. As with other tick-borne illnesses, symptoms can also include fever, malaise, and headache. STARI is generally treated with a 21-day course of antibiotics.

Important Note: Early signs of Lyme disease and STARI are indistinguishable, so it is a good idea to keep ticks that have been removed for identification.

High-Risk Areas and Habitats in Nebraska

Knowing where ticks prefer to live is one of the most effective ways to reduce your exposure. Ticks are small arachnids that feed on blood and have the potential to transmit serious diseases to both people and pets. They are typically found in or along brushy, wooded, or grassy areas.

Each species tends to favor slightly different habitats:

• American dog ticks are found in areas with little or no tree cover, such as grassy fields, along roads, walkways, and trails.
• Lone star ticks are found in woodland areas with dense undergrowth. The adult female has a single white spot on her scutum, which can be seen when engorged.
• Deer ticks prefer feeding on small to medium-sized mammals, like raccoons, foxes, badgers, white-tailed deer, and even rats and mice — meaning wooded edges, riverbanks, and areas with heavy deer traffic are higher-risk zones for black-legged ticks.
• Brown dog ticks spend their entire lives indoors, making homes and kennels with dogs a potential exposure point year-round.

From a geographic standpoint, if your dog — or you — spends time in wooded areas, tall grass, or near the Missouri River valley, ticks are a real risk. Eastern Nebraska counties, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Saunders, carry a higher risk for black-legged tick exposure due to established populations there.

Multifaceted factors such as warming under scenarios of climate change, the proliferation of hosts including white-tailed deer, and the expansion of eastern red cedar heighten the potential for extended tick activity periods, increased tick abundance, and further range expansion across the region.

Pro Tip: Avoid brushy, wooded, or grassy areas when possible, and walk in the center of trails to minimize contact with vegetation where ticks quest for hosts.

It’s also worth knowing that ticks don’t travel alone — they often arrive on wildlife hosts. Learning about animals that eat ticks can help you appreciate natural tick control in Nebraska’s ecosystems.

How to Protect Yourself, Children and Pets During Tick Season in Nebraska

Preventing tick bites is straightforward once you build a few habits into your outdoor routine. The good news is that most of the most effective strategies cost little or nothing.

Personal Protection

• Use repellents: DEET repellents with 20–30% DEET provide the best protection. Products with higher percentages of DEET will protect for a longer period of time, but anything over 30% does not offer greater protection and is unnecessary.
• Treat clothing: Treat or purchase pre-treated clothing with permethrin to repel ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear and remains protective through several washings.
• Dress appropriately: Wear long pants tucked into white socks for quick tick detection and removal. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
• Do a full-body check: Conduct full-body tick checks — including underarms, ears, belly button, behind knees, between legs, waist, hair, and scalp — every two to three hours. Immature ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so look carefully.
• Shower promptly: Shower within two hours after coming indoors. This helps wash off unattached ticks and gives you a chance to do a thorough body check.

Clothing and Gear After Outdoor Time

• Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended — cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.
• Examine gear and pets, as ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets and then attach to a person later.

Protecting Children

Tick-borne diseases can affect anyone, but children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Apply repellent to children’s skin and clothing before outdoor play, and check them thoroughly when they come inside — paying close attention to the hairline, behind the ears, and behind the knees.

Protecting Pets

Protect your pets using a tick prevention program through your veterinarian. Even if your dog is on a flea and tick program, continue to perform regular tick checks. Ticks are most often found on the dog’s head, in and around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes.

For more detailed guidance on keeping your dog safe, see these tips for preventing tick-borne diseases in your dog. Starting prevention early — by March for ticks — is key to keeping pets protected throughout the season.

Common Mistake: Many pet owners assume their dog’s flea and tick medication eliminates the need for manual tick checks. It doesn’t. Even if your dog is on a flea and tick program, continue to perform regular tick checks, as ticks are most often found on the dog’s head, ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes.

What to Do If You Find a Tick in Nebraska

Finding a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet can be alarming, but staying calm and acting quickly makes all the difference. Removing an infected tick as soon as possible reduces the risk of disease transmission.

Step-by-Step Tick Removal

1. Use the right tool: Remove embedded ticks as soon as possible using pointy tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull straight out: Grasp the tick firmly near the skin and pull it straight out. Do not twist or jerk — this can cause mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. Do not use folk remedies: Do not try to burn it off or smother it with petroleum jelly. Those methods don’t work and give the tick more time to transmit disease.
4. Clean the area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
5. Dispose of the tick safely: Dispose of a live tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
6. Save it for identification: After removing a tick, keep it for identification, especially if you develop symptoms. Knowing the species can help your doctor narrow down possible diseases.

Watch for Symptoms

If a person develops symptoms of a tick-borne illness — such as fever, chills, aches and pains, fatigue, or rash — within a few weeks of being in known tick habitat or having a known tick bite, they should see a healthcare provider for evaluation of a potential tick-borne disease.

While not every tick carries disease, a single bite from an infected tick can lead to weeks — or even months — of illness if not detected and treated early.

Pro Tip: If you ever get bit by a tick, a good first step is to have it identified, because different types of ticks transmit different diseases. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Tick Tag Go program accepts tick photos and data for identification.

Reporting Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illness in Nebraska

You don’t have to manage a tick encounter alone. Nebraska has several tools and systems in place to help residents, and your reports actually contribute to statewide health surveillance.

The Nebraska Tick Surveillance Map

The Nebraska Tick Surveillance Map is a tool that residents can use to learn about tick species and the diseases they can pass on. It is an interactive tool that documents the counties in Nebraska where tick species have been found and what diseases they are carrying.

According to Dr. Matthew Donahue, Nebraska State Epidemiologist, “Healthcare providers and members of the public can use this information to improve prevention efforts, diagnosis, and treatment to keep Nebraskans healthy and safe.” You can access the map through the Nebraska DHHS Tick-Borne Disease page.

Tick Tag Go — UNL Community Surveillance

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Tick Tag Go is a community-powered effort to establish baseline data on tick distributions in Nebraska. It relies on passive surveillance — the collection of ticks you come across in your daily routine. Submit your tick photos and data for identification at ticktaggo.unl.edu.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite or outdoor exposure, contact your healthcare provider. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective for most tick-borne bacterial illnesses, so don’t wait to seek care if symptoms develop.

The Nebraska DHHS utilizes syndromic surveillance data as an indicator for tick activity and tick bite risk. Data comes from emergency departments and outpatient clinic visits, and visits related to tick bites are tracked through their reporting system. This means every healthcare visit for a tick bite contributes to Nebraska’s understanding of tick risk statewide.

Reporting Tick-Borne Illness

Tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Lyme disease, and Alpha-Gal Syndrome are reportable conditions in Nebraska. If you are diagnosed with a tick-borne illness, your healthcare provider is required to report it to DHHS. You can also contact your local health department directly with questions or concerns about tick exposure in your area.

Key Insight: The annual incidence of tick-borne disease in Nebraska is increasing, and newly established species such as blacklegged ticks and their associated pathogens may present challenges for health practitioners. Staying informed and reporting bites helps protect your entire community.

Tick season in Nebraska is long, but it’s manageable. By knowing when ticks are most active, which species are in your area, and how to protect yourself and your family, you can continue enjoying everything Nebraska’s outdoors has to offer — trails, fields, hunting seasons, and backyard time — with confidence and peace of mind.