West Virginia Tick Season: Peak Times, High-Risk Spots, and How to Protect Your Family

West Virginia’s forests, meadows, and mountain trails are some of the most beautiful in the country — but they also make the Mountain State one of the most tick-active states in the eastern U.S. West Virginia has been designated as a high-incidence Lyme disease state since 2017, and the tick population has only grown since then.

Whether you’re hiking the Monongahela National Forest, hunting in the uplands, or simply doing yard work, understanding tick season in West Virginia is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your health. Two WVU experts warn that ticks are more prevalent than ever, and factors like warmer winters mean people are more frequently exposed to them.

This guide walks you through when tick season peaks, which species you’re likely to encounter, what diseases they carry, and — most importantly — how to keep yourself, your children, and your pets safe all season long.

When Is Tick Season in West Virginia

Most tick-borne infections occur from late spring through early fall, when ticks — and people and pets — are most active. In West Virginia, that generally means April through September represents your highest-risk window, with peak activity concentrated from May through July when nymphal ticks are most abundant.

That said, tick season in West Virginia doesn’t follow a clean calendar. Ticks can appear during any of the 12 months, and adult ticks feed year-round. Ticks are active anytime temperatures are 40 degrees or above — a threshold that West Virginia’s mild winters frequently meet, even in January and February.

There are more ticks these days, and they are showing up earlier in the spring and dying off later in the fall. Warmer winters and changing environmental conditions are driving a noticeable rise in tick populations, and those encounters are leading to new illnesses — including alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergic reactions.

Key Insight: The highest-risk period for tick-borne disease is late spring and early summer, when nymphal ticks are at peak activity. Nymphs are tiny — about the size of a poppy seed — making them especially easy to miss during a body check.

There is some seasonality to tick exposures and Lyme disease, mostly in relation to outdoor activity, but also because tick activity picks up with the nymphs — the young ticks — which are sometimes the dangerous ones because they can go unnoticed while feeding.

Types of Ticks Found in West Virginia

Common tick species found in West Virginia include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), blacklegged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), and lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Each species has its own habits, preferred hosts, and disease risks — so knowing which tick you’re dealing with matters.

The American dog tick is the most commonly encountered tick in West Virginia. Although it can be found feeding on dogs, it will readily feed on numerous other animal hosts. They are brown to reddish-brown with cream or grayish colored markings on the scutum. The American dog tick is most active during spring and summer and is the primary carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia in the state.

The blacklegged, or deer, tick is commonly encountered in mixed forests and along woodland edges. The larval and nymphal stages can be found feeding on small rodents — the preferred host is the white-footed mouse — while deer are the primary hosts during the adult stage. These ticks are chocolate brown in color, with adult females having an orange to red back surrounding the scutum.

The lone star tick is commonly encountered in dense woodlands and around animal nesting areas. Lone star ticks are aggressive biters and are identifiable by the single white dot on the female’s back. They are capable of biting at all life stages and are the tick linked to alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy that is being increasingly recognized among West Virginia residents.

Pro Tip: A fourth species — the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) — has also been confirmed in West Virginia. As of April 2024, longhorned ticks have been found in West Virginia, and they have been found on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people, and female ticks can lay eggs and reproduce without mating. Keep this species on your radar, especially if you have livestock or outdoor pets.

Ticks are arthropods, but not insects, and are closely related to spiders and mites. Hard ticks and soft ticks are the two families of ticks in the United States, with American dog ticks, blacklegged ticks, and lone star ticks being the most common hard ticks in West Virginia that can transmit diseases to humans. You can learn more about how these parasites develop and reproduce in our guide on how ticks reproduce.

Tick-Borne Diseases in West Virginia

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease reported in West Virginia. The number of reported cases has dramatically increased over the past decade, from 297 in 2016 to 1,542 reports in 2021 — and the trend has continued upward. In 2024, the number of reported Lyme disease cases was 3,207.

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Symptoms vary but often include a bull’s-eye rash at the bite site and a fever. If not detected and treated early, life-long symptoms such as arthritis can occur.

If Lyme disease goes untreated, the consequences can be serious. Headaches become more severe, a meningitis-like illness can develop, facial muscle paralysis can occur, and the dreaded complication is a heart issue where you start to get skipped heartbeats. Later symptoms could also include joint pain and swelling, and neurological issues.

Important Note: Not everyone sees a tick before it disengages, so it’s good to be aware of symptoms. According to the CDC, Lyme disease can cause a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite. Other early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Tell your doctor if you’ve recently been in tick habitat.

Beyond Lyme disease, West Virginia residents should be aware of several other tick-borne illnesses. Researchers are seeing increases in other infections, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. The numbers for anaplasmosis were 15 in 2023 and 29 in 2024; for babesiosis, two in 2023 and four in 2024 — significantly lower, but noticeable for the fact that they are on the rise.

Anaplasmosis doesn’t have the long-term possibilities like Lyme disease and typically resolves in a few weeks, though complications can occur if medical treatment isn’t provided, including respiratory and organ failure. Like Lyme disease, the treatment for anaplasmosis is an antibiotic.

Babesiosis attacks red blood cells, which can result in anemia and liver damage. An antibiotic is not a treatment for this illness, so individuals should consult a physician to see what steps to take.

A newer concern gaining attention is alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction triggered from tick bites, usually the lone star tick. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals but not humans. After a tick bite, alpha-gal can be introduced, and subsequent exposures to red meat can cause food allergy symptoms. You can also read more about tick-borne encephalitis for a broader look at serious neurological diseases transmitted by ticks globally.

Other tick-borne diseases — anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever — are rare in West Virginia, with fewer than 10 cases per year. Antibiotics are effective in treating tick-borne diseases and can prevent severe complications when given early in the course of infection.

High-Risk Areas and Habitats in West Virginia

West Virginia’s geography creates nearly ideal conditions for ticks. The state has lots of forest and a lot of vegetation growth, which provides exactly the kind of shaded, humid environment that ticks need to survive and thrive. These tiny arachnids thrive in wooded and grassy areas, making outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, gardening, and hunting all potential encounters for ticks. Factors such as climate change, habitat alterations, and human encroachment into natural environments have contributed to the proliferation of tick populations in West Virginia. The expanding deer population, which serves as a host for ticks, further exacerbates the spread of the disease.

Ticks like wooded environments with extensive leaf litter and shade or abandoned fields and overgrown lawns — often described as “woods and weeds.” This means your backyard can be just as risky as a remote hiking trail. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.

Specific high-risk locations across West Virginia include:

• Monongahela National Forest — Dense hardwood and mixed forests with abundant white-tailed deer populations make this a prime tick habitat year-round.
• New River Gorge National Park — Riverside vegetation, brushy terrain, and heavy visitor traffic create significant tick exposure risk along trails.
• Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Park — Cool, moist forest floors with deep leaf litter are ideal conditions for blacklegged ticks.
• Hunting and fishing areas — Activities like trout fishing and dove hunting in West Virginia take you directly into tick-prone brushy and wooded terrain.
• Overgrown fields and woodland edges — Transitional zones between forests and open areas are among the highest-risk locations for tick encounters.
• Residential yards bordering woodlands — Particularly in eastern and central counties of the state.

Common Mistake: Many people assume ticks only live deep in the woods. In reality, some ticks pick a place to wait by identifying well-used paths, then rest on the tips of grasses and shrubs, while others wait in the leaf litter on the ground for an animal or person that might walk by. Your lawn edge, garden, or campsite perimeter can be just as risky.

Hiking, camping, hunting, yard work, and time spent in wooded or brushy areas all raise the risk of tick bites. The eastern counties — particularly those with higher deer densities and forested ridgelines — tend to report the highest Lyme disease case counts. If you spend time outdoors in these areas, you can also explore our guide on venomous animals in West Virginia to get a fuller picture of outdoor health hazards in the state.

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

Protection during tick season comes down to a combination of preparation before you go outside, smart habits while you’re out, and a thorough routine when you return indoors. Experts recommend protective clothing, tick checks on people and pets, and prompt removal of attached ticks.

Before You Go Outside

• Wear the right clothing. Pack long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. Light colors are best so ticks can be easily spotted crawling on clothing.
• Tuck your pants into your socks. Wearing long sleeves and pants, and tucking pant legs into socks, can prevent ticks from gaining access to your skin.
• Apply EPA-registered repellent. Pack insect repellent with 20% DEET. Read the directions and make sure children know how to use it properly. Products containing picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective options.
• Treat your gear. Clothing can be treated with 0.5 percent permethrin, an insecticide that repels and kills ticks. Apply it to boots, pants, and backpacks before heading out.

While You’re Outdoors

• Stay on the trail. If you are walking through parks or wooded areas, walk through the center of hiking trails and pathways to minimize contact with vegetation where ticks quest.
• Avoid brushy edges and leaf litter. Transitional zones between open areas and woods are prime tick habitat — avoid sitting or resting directly on logs or leaf piles.
• Check yourself periodically. On long hikes or outdoor work sessions, do a quick visual check every hour or two, especially on legs and arms.

When You Come Back Inside

• Shower promptly. Taking a shower within two hours of being exposed and placing your clothes in the dryer on high for 10 minutes will get rid of any missed ticks, as they like to crawl around before attaching to the host.
• Do a full-body tick check. Ticks can attach to any part of the body, but they prefer hard-to-see areas, such as the groin, armpits, and scalp, as well as tight-fitting areas, such as along the beltline.
• Check your children carefully. Pay special attention to the hairline, behind the ears, and the back of the knees. Children are often less aware of crawling sensations.

Protecting Your Pets

Ensure that pets are treated with veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives and regularly check them for ticks after outdoor activities. Dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and their dense fur can make it difficult to conduct a full inspection. Our guide on preventing tick-borne diseases in dogs offers practical, vet-aligned advice for keeping your pets safe during tick season.

Take care not to apply inappropriate pesticides to or around cats, as they can be extremely sensitive to some of the common tick treatments. Always consult your veterinarian before applying any tick prevention product to your cat.

Pro Tip: Nature has its own tick controllers. Certain animals that eat ticks — including opossums, guinea fowl, and some bird species — can help reduce tick populations around your property naturally. Consider your local ecosystem as part of your tick management strategy.

Protecting Your Yard

Keep outdoor recreational areas, such as yards and playgrounds, well-maintained by mowing the grass regularly and removing leaf litter and brush, which serve as tick habitats. Consider creating barriers such as gravel or wood chip borders between wooded areas and recreational spaces to minimize tick migration.

What to Do If You Find a Tick in West Virginia

Finding a tick attached to your skin is understandably alarming, but staying calm and acting quickly and correctly makes a significant difference. The method of removal matters just as much as how fast you act.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers. Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.
2. Do not twist or jerk. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. Do not squeeze the body. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids may contain infectious organisms.
4. Avoid home remedies. Do not burn the tick, cover it with petroleum jelly, or paint it with nail polish. These will only stress the tick and may encourage it to empty the contents of its stomach into the bite wound, potentially increasing disease transmission.
5. Clean the bite area. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.
6. Save the tick. Do not smash the tick with your fingers. Put it in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag or container, or flush it down the toilet. Saving it in a sealed bag can be helpful if you develop symptoms later.

Pro Tip: WVU Medicine physician Dr. Andrew Morgan recommends a tool called a “tick key” — a narrow, tapered tool designed to get down to the head of the tick. He emphasizes that removing the entirety of the tick is critical. Tick keys are available at sporting goods stores like Cabela’s.

After Removal: Watch for Symptoms

The probability of a tick transmitting a disease-causing pathogen increases the longer an infected tick is attached. For preventative treatment, a tick needs to be attached for 36 hours or greater, and then most importantly, the prophylactic dose of doxycycline has to be given within 72 hours of tick removal.

Monitor the bite site and your overall health for the next several weeks. Monitor for any signs of illness; many tick-borne diseases have common symptoms, including fever, chills, aches and pains, and rashes. If you experience any of these after being bitten by a tick, take the preserved tick and visit your doctor immediately. Many tick-borne diseases respond well to rapid detection and treatment, but can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.

These diseases can be hard to diagnose, so remember to tell the doctor if the ill person has recently been in tick habitat (woods or weeds). The doctor must start treatment early if the ill person is to recover.

Reporting Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illness in West Virginia

Reporting tick bites and confirmed tick-borne illnesses plays an important role in West Virginia’s public health surveillance system. When healthcare providers and residents report cases, the state can better track disease trends, identify outbreak areas, and allocate resources to the communities that need them most.

When seeking medical assistance for a tick bite, it is important to save any ticks that may have been involved to help medical staff in their treatment. Bring the tick in a sealed bag to your appointment, along with notes on where you were when the bite occurred and how long the tick may have been attached.

Periodically, designated Monongalia County Health Department employees conduct tick surveillance, collecting them and sending them off to the West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services to be tested for disease. This kind of ongoing surveillance depends on public participation and healthcare provider reporting.

Who to Contact in West Virginia

• West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS) — The OEPS tick-borne disease page provides up-to-date surveillance data and reporting guidance for healthcare providers.
• Your local county health department — Each county health department in West Virginia can receive reports of tick bites and tick-borne illness and connect you with appropriate resources. The Monongalia County Health Department is one active example of local tick surveillance work.
• Your primary care provider or emergency room — Physicians are required to report confirmed cases of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis to the state health department. If you experience symptoms and believe there is a chance you’ve been exposed to a tick bite, tell your healthcare provider, who can prescribe an antibiotic that can prevent Lyme disease.
• West Virginia Veterinary Tick Submission Project (WVVTSP) — Veterinarians participating in the West Virginia Veterinary Tick Submission Project have provided valuable information about tick species distribution across the state. If your pet has a tick, your vet may be able to submit it for testing.

Key Insight: Seek care promptly for flu-like symptoms after tick exposure. Early treatment is the most reliable way to prevent serious complications from any tick-borne disease. Don’t wait for a rash — not all tick-borne illnesses produce visible skin changes.

West Virginia’s outdoor culture is one of its greatest assets. From trout fishing to dove hunting, the Mountain State gives you countless reasons to spend time in nature. With the right awareness and a few consistent habits, tick season doesn’t have to keep you indoors. Stay informed, check yourself and your pets after every outing, and reach out to your local health department if you have concerns. The outdoors are worth it — just be tick-smart before you head out.