Tick Season in Tennessee: What to Know to Stay Safe Outdoors

Tennessee’s forests, fields, and hiking trails are some of the most beautiful in the country — but they come with a small, eight-legged hazard that deserves your attention. Spending time outdoors in Tennessee, whether you’re fishing, hunting, or hiking, puts you in tick territory for a large portion of the year.

Tick season in Tennessee is longer than many people expect, and the health risks that come with it are real. Diseases spread by ticks are a growing concern in Tennessee, and six medically important tick species live in the state, with their populations increasing in recent decades. Knowing when ticks are active, which species to watch for, and how to protect yourself and your family can make all the difference between a great day outside and a trip to the doctor.

Key Insight: Tick-borne illness is preventable. The steps you take before, during, and after outdoor activities are your most effective defense.

When Is Tick Season in Tennessee

Tick season in Tennessee is not a short window — it stretches across most of the year. April through October is generally the most active tick season, with nymph ticks most active April through June and adult ticks highly active August through October.

April marks the start of tick season in Tennessee, with many species of ticks being most active through June. However, the risk does not simply disappear when summer ends. Although ticks are thought of as being a threat during the warm weather months of spring and summer, they may also be prevalent during the cool weather of fall and have even been observed during unseasonably warm weather in winter.

Ticks will still quest for blood meals during warm stretches of weather in fall, winter, and early spring, but when the temperature is consistently 35°F, they will hunker down for a winter’s rest. The black-legged tick is a particular concern year-round. It feeds on both humans and animals and can bite any time of year, as long as temperatures are above freezing.

Exposure to ticks has increased over time as urban populations spread out into more wooded areas, and warmer winters — without hard freezes for longer periods — allow tick populations to flourish.

Pro Tip: Don’t let your guard down in September and October. Adult tick activity peaks again in late summer and fall, making autumn hikes just as risky as spring ones.

Types of Ticks Found in Tennessee

While at least 15 species of ticks occur in Tennessee, only a few are likely to be encountered by people, including the American dog tick, lone star tick, blacklegged (deer) tick, brown dog tick, and the winter tick. Understanding how to recognize each species helps you assess your risk after a bite. To learn more about how ticks reproduce and why populations can surge so quickly, it helps to understand their life cycle.

American Dog Tick

The most commonly encountered tick is the American dog tick, also known as the wood tick. The adults are most active from April to June and can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia (rabbit fever), and ehrlichiosis.

The American dog tick prefers grassy areas and is one of the more common tick species in Tennessee. It is known to transmit tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and can also cause a condition known as tick paralysis in humans and animals.

Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star tick is known for its aggressive feeding behavior and is very common across Tennessee. Recognizable by the white spot on the back of adult females, this tick can transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland and Bourbon viruses, and STARI (southern tick-associated rash illness), and it may also trigger Alpha-gal Syndrome (red meat allergy) in some people.

The lone star tick is most active from April through the end of July.

Black-Legged (Deer) Tick

Usually found in wooded and brush-covered landscapes, the black-legged tick can be found throughout Tennessee. This species is a primary vector for Lyme disease and can also transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.

These ticks are found in wooded areas along trails. The larvae and nymphs are active in spring and early summer; adults may be active in both spring and fall.

Brown Dog Tick

The brown dog tick is unique because it can thrive and complete its life cycle indoors. While it primarily feeds on dogs, it will also bite humans. This species can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and poses a growing health threat to both pets and people in Tennessee.

Gulf Coast Tick

Found primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, the Gulf Coast tick can transmit Rickettsia parkeri, a bacterium that causes a spotted fever similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but usually less severe. Ticks in the Chattanooga region that can be a vector for disease include Black-legged Ticks, Brown Dog Ticks, Gulf Coast Ticks, and Lone Star Ticks.

Asian Longhorned Tick

Livestock owners and pet owners should be aware of the Asian longhorned tick, which appears to be spreading across the state. The ALT appears to adapt to a variety of temperatures and is known to be active in Tennessee from March until the end of November. The CDC reports that there is no evidence that the tick has transmitted any infectious agent to humans in the U.S., but it remains a concern for livestock and pets.

Important Note: Tick identification after a bite matters. Photographing or saving the tick in a sealed bag can help your doctor determine which diseases to test for and how to treat you.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Tennessee

Ticks can transmit a number of different diseases, but the most common in Tennessee include Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis. Each of these illnesses carries different risks and symptoms, so it’s worth knowing what to look for. You can also read more about tick-borne encephalitis, a serious viral infection transmitted by ticks in other parts of the world.

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis (Including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

Spotted Fever Rickettsioses are a group of tick-borne diseases caused by bacteria from the Rickettsia species, including Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia parkeri. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is the most severe.

Especially in this part of the country, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the most severe tick-borne illness routinely encountered. Left untreated, it can cause a serious rash and ultimately cause liver issues, sepsis, and death.

SFR is a highly reported tick-borne disease in Tennessee, with 75 probable and confirmed cases reported in 2023. Tennessee is one of the five states that make up over 50% of all national SFR cases.

Ehrlichiosis

Human ehrlichiosis is the second most common tick-borne disease reported in Tennessee after Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This disease is spread by the Lone Star tick and is most prevalent in the southeastern and south-central U.S. The incubation period is 5–14 days, meaning it may take up to two weeks after a tick bite to develop symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body aches, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Lyme Disease

While a frequent worry among people bitten by ticks, Lyme disease remains rare in Tennessee. In Tennessee, there were 39 cases of Lyme disease in 2023, an increase of 18 percent compared to 32 cases in 2022. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the expansion of black-legged ticks into the southeast U.S. within the past decade has made Lyme disease a growing concern in the northern and eastern regions of Tennessee.

Symptoms include a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash and flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and joint aches.

Alpha-gal Syndrome

One of the more surprising conditions linked to tick bites in Tennessee is Alpha-gal Syndrome, a red meat allergy triggered by the Lone Star tick’s saliva. The Lone Star tick is known for its aggressive feeding behavior and is very common across Tennessee. It may trigger Alpha-gal Syndrome (red meat allergy) in some people — a reaction that can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Common Mistake: Many people assume Lyme disease is the biggest tick threat in Tennessee. In reality, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis are far more commonly reported here and can be just as dangerous if left untreated.

High-Risk Areas and Habitats in Tennessee

Ticks can be found throughout Tennessee’s landscape, which covers diverse environments from the Smoky Mountains to farmlands and suburban areas. Knowing where ticks concentrate most heavily helps you stay alert in the right places.

Generally, all tick species in the state inhabit the same types of environments. They are commonly found in wooded, brushy areas such as forests, and they can even be found in grassy fields or yards.

Ticks do not drop from trees or jump onto you. Ticks wait for host animals from the tips of grasses and shrubs. When brushed by a moving animal or person, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climb onto the host. This behavior, called questing, means that walking through tall grass or dense brush puts you at the greatest risk.

Here are the habitat types where you’re most likely to encounter ticks in Tennessee:

• Dense forests and wooded trails — especially in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and East Tennessee ridges
• Tall grasses and overgrown fields — tall grasses and brush around your home are prime hangout locations for ticks
• Yard edges bordering natural areas — edge areas that border natural habitat, particularly forests or meadows, are often how pests make their way onto a property
• Leaf litter on forest floors — those who sit on the ground or disturb leaf litter on the forest floor may encounter ticks
• Suburban backyards — especially those near wooded buffers or with deer activity

The region including Middle and East Tennessee has a significant amount of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cases. In fact, the disease occurs in the Cumberland Plateau and Smoky Mountains areas much more frequently than in the Rocky Mountains. If you enjoy hunting in Tennessee, be especially mindful of tick exposure when moving through thick cover or field edges.

Pro Tip: After outdoor activities in Tennessee, check your clothing and body before getting into your car. Ticks can hitchhike on gear and clothing and find their way onto you or your pets later at home.

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

Protection during tick season in Tennessee is straightforward when you build it into your outdoor routine. Prevention of tick bites, early removal of ticks, and early recognition and treatment of tick-borne illnesses are all important safeguards. There are also several natural predators that eat ticks and can help reduce populations in your yard over time.

Personal Protection

• Wear the right clothing: When you spend time outdoors, wear closed shoes, full-length socks, and clothing that covers your legs and arms. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
• Use EPA-registered repellents: The CDC says to use EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Treat your clothing: Consider pre-treating your clothing with 0.5% permethrin, which is effective for repelling ticks. Follow the instructions on the label and do not apply permethrin to skin.
• Stay on trails: While hiking, stick close to the center of trails and avoid traveling through dense brush, where ticks might be waiting for a host.
• Shower after being outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors helps reduce tick attachment.

Checking for Ticks

Ticks tend to attach to areas around hair, ears, underarms, or inside belly buttons. Make sure to do a full-body check after going into areas where ticks might be, like grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.

Check yourself and others every two to three hours during outdoor activities. Most ticks seldom attach quickly and rarely transmit disease organisms until they have been attached for four or more hours.

After coming inside, check clothing, body, and pets for ticks. Tumble clothes on high heat to kill insects, and if clothes need washing first, use hot water.

Protecting Children

Children are often at greater risk simply because they spend more time in grass and brush. Apply repellent to their clothing and exposed skin, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouths. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt pediatricians want children and parents to be aware of the dangers of tick-borne illnesses. Ticks top the list of pesky pests to keep an eye out for in Middle Tennessee. Check children thoroughly after every outdoor play session, paying extra attention to the scalp, behind the ears, and along the waistline.

Protecting Pets

Your pets can bring ticks directly into your home. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, and larval ticks can be so tiny they are almost unnoticeable with the naked eye. Ticks can be carried into your yard or playground on wildlife like deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products appropriate for your pet’s size and lifestyle. For dog owners, reviewing tick-borne disease prevention tips for dogs is a great starting point. Even if you are following all cultural recommendations and having your property treated for ticks, flea and tick control in the yard should not be a substitute for preventative flea and tick products that your vet recommends for your pets.

Yard and Property Protection

• Keep grass mown short, as ticks thrive in tall grass — mow your lawn regularly and trim overgrown vegetation.
• The CDC recommends placing a three-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, as this restricts the migration of ticks from the wild onto a residential property.
• Remove leaf litter and brush piles from around your home, especially near play areas.
• Consider professional tick treatments applied between April and October for high-exposure properties.

Important Note: The DEET concentration matters. For adults, a product with 20–30% DEET provides several hours of protection. For children, products with 10–30% DEET are generally considered safe when applied according to label instructions.

What to Do If You Find a Tick in Tennessee

Finding a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet is unsettling — but staying calm and acting quickly is what matters most. For most people, a tick bite will only cause minor skin irritation, but sometimes the bite leads to infection. The key is prompt, proper removal.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers. The CDC says to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure.
2. Do not twist or jerk. Twisting or jerking can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, try to remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove them easily, leave the area alone and let the skin heal.
3. Clean the bite area. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Save or photograph the tick. Doctors say it’s a good idea to take photos of the tick so it can be identified if needed. You can also place it in a sealed bag or container for identification.
5. Never crush a tick with your fingers. If you remove it with your bare hands, you could squish the tick, sending the blood in its body into your skin.

What Not to Do

The CDC advises people not to follow folklore, like “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. These methods can actually increase the risk of disease transmission by agitating the tick.

Monitor for Symptoms After a Bite

Once a tick is attached for more than a day or two, there is more risk for bacteria and virus exposure. The incubation period can be up to a couple of weeks after a bite.

Fever, rash, headache, and achy muscles and joints are signs that the bite may require medical attention. Tick-borne illness can be easily and successfully treated with antibiotics if started early. If you develop any of these symptoms within two to three weeks of a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Pro Tip: Write down the date you found and removed the tick. This information helps your doctor determine if symptoms that develop later could be related to the bite, and it assists in identifying the likely tick species based on when and where you were outdoors.

Reporting Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illness in Tennessee

You may not be required to report a simple tick bite to health authorities, but reporting a confirmed or suspected tick-borne illness is an important step — both for your own care and for public health tracking across the state.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches within two to three weeks of a tick bite, see a healthcare provider right away. When a tick bite is accompanied by a fever, headache, or rash, an evaluation by a medical professional is advised. Be sure to mention any recent outdoor activities and where you were in Tennessee, as this helps narrow down which tick species and diseases are most likely.

Because it takes 5–7 business days to get lab results back for tick-borne illnesses, treatment is often based on clinical indicators and started if clinical signs point to a tick-borne illness. Do not wait for lab confirmation before beginning treatment if your doctor recommends it.

How Tick-Borne Diseases Are Tracked in Tennessee

Tick-borne diseases are a major concern in Tennessee. In 2021, there were 4,811 tick-borne disease investigations entered in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS), the majority of which were cases of Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis.

Healthcare providers in Tennessee are required to report confirmed and probable cases of tick-borne diseases — including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease — to the Tennessee Department of Health. This surveillance system helps officials track outbreaks and identify high-risk counties across the state.

Submitting Ticks for Identification

If you or your pet is bitten, saving the tick can be valuable. If your animal is bitten by a tick, remove the tick as quickly as possible, place it in a ziplock bag, and record the date and location the tick was encountered. Send the sample to your local University of Tennessee Extension office or UTIA for identification.

For humans, your healthcare provider can help determine whether tick identification or testing is warranted. Although there are many kits on the market that advertise tick testing, the true quality of these kits can vary dramatically, and it is always better to test the host rather than the tick, since ticks can “store” some viruses and bacteria that they cannot pass on through their bite.

Useful Reporting Resources in Tennessee

• Tennessee Department of Health – Tick-Borne Diseases: tn.gov/health — official disease data, tick species information, and prevention guidance
• CDC Tick Reporting & Identification: cdc.gov/ticks — national tick identification resources and disease information
• University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: Contact your local UT Extension office to submit ticks for identification
• Your local or county health department: Can connect you with reporting guidance and local disease trends

Key Insight: Reporting tick-borne illness is not just about your own care. It helps Tennessee health officials identify hotspot counties, allocate resources, and warn communities when tick-borne disease activity is elevated in specific regions.

Tick season in Tennessee is a reality for anyone who enjoys the outdoors — but it does not have to limit your time outside. With the right preparation, you can hike, hunt, fish, and explore confidently. Check yourself and your family after every outdoor adventure, treat your clothing and gear, keep your pets protected, and seek care quickly if symptoms develop. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping tick season from becoming a health concern.