Written by Dr. Diane Mueller
Not all ticks are dangerous — but the ones that are, can change your life. At My Lyme Doc, we see firsthand the long-term damage Lyme disease causes when patients don’t receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
The truth? Only certain ticks carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme, and they’re not always easy to spot. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly which ticks carry Lyme disease, where they’re hiding, and what to do if you’ve been bitten. Don’t wait for symptoms. Get ahead of the infection.
Key Takeaways
Not all ticks carry Lyme disease: The primary vectors are black-legged ticks (deer ticks), found commonly in wooded or grassy areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic U.S.
Ticks need time to transmit Lyme bacteria: It typically takes 36–48 hours of attachment for Lyme bacteria to transfer, making early removal crucial.
Other ticks carry different diseases: Species like the Lone Star tick and American dog tick can transmit illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or alpha-gal syndrome. However, they don’t typically spread Lyme disease.
Preventive measures are key: Reduce risk by wearing protective clothing, using EPA-approved tick repellents, and performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Prompt tick removal is essential: Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks immediately, clean the bite area, and save the tick for identification if needed.
Stay vigilant for symptoms of Lyme disease and co-infections: Watch for flu-like symptoms, bullseye rashes, or other unusual signs, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Risks of Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
Not every tick is out to get you; a normal tick bite versus Lyme differs in several ways, but understanding the risks starts with knowing which ones to watch out for. A single bite might not sound like a big deal, but depending on the tick species, it could carry profound implications. Let’s break it down so you’re armed with the knowledge to protect yourself.
Have Lyme Disease or suspect you do?
Not All Ticks Are Created Equal
Only a few tick species are known to transmit Lyme disease, with the primary culprits being black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks). Other ticks, like the Lone Star tick or the American dog tick, might bite you, but they don’t transmit Lyme bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.
Timing Matters
Ticks don’t transmit bacteria immediately after biting. It typically takes 36 to 48 hours for a black-legged tick to pass along Lyme bacteria. So if you remove it early, you may stop the infection in its tracks. This makes regular tick checks after spending time outdoors essential.
Location Risks
Geographic location significantly impacts your risk level. Black-legged ticks are frequent flyers—well, crawlers—in wooded or grassy regions, especially in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. If you’re hiking in Connecticut or camping in Wisconsin, you’re in prime blacklegged tick territory. But strolling through Arizona? Your Lyme disease risk drops dramatically.
Other Risks Besides Lyme Disease
Ticks aren’t one-trick ponies; they can also carry illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever (from American dog ticks) or babesiosis (from black-legged ticks). Each tick species has its own “specialty,“ so it’s essential to identify which one bit you for proper treatment. If that sounds tricky, don’t worry—saving the tick in a sealed bag for identification by a healthcare provider can help.
Types of Ticks That Can Carry Lyme Disease
Think all types of ticks are up to no good? Not exactly. While many ticks are harmless nuisances, a few species are infamous for spreading Lyme disease and other nasties. Here’s the lineup of Lyme-linked culprits you’ll want to know about:
Blacklegged Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
This is the notorious poster child when it comes to Lyme disease. The blacklegged deer tick gets its bad rap because it can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria behind Lyme. But Lyme’s not the only thing on its plate. This tick might also transmit other “extras” like Babesia (a malaria-like illness), Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Powassan virus, Borrelia mayonii, and Borrelia miyamotoi. These tiny blood suckers hang out in wooded or grassy areas, mainly in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central U.S. See one? Proceed with caution—this isn’t a hitchhiker you want clinging to you.
Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
Don’t let the friendly-sounding name fool you—dog ticks are no walk in the park. While these ticks aren’t usually linked to Lyme disease, they’ve got their terrible repertoire. The star of their disease show is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, thanks to Rickettsia rickettsii. Oh, and let’s not forget Francisella tularensis, the bacterium behind tularemia. These ticks love open grassy fields and tend to latch on when your furry friends—or you—are out exploring.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Even though it’s a Texas-sounding name, the Lone Star tick’s territory stretches far beyond the Lone Star State. It carries multiple diseases: Ehrlichia, tularemia (yep, Francisella tularensis again), Heartland virus, and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). If that’s not scary enough, a bite from this tick could cause alpha-gal syndrome, which makes people allergic to red meat.
Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
This sun-loving tick is a fan of warmer climates. While it’s not as infamous as some others on this list, it’s got its hands dirty transmitting Rickettsia parkeri and Ehrlichia. Found mainly in the southeastern U.S. and along the Gulf Coast, these ticks hang out in grassy, marshy places where they wait to hitch a ride on their unsuspecting victims.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast hanging out in the Rocky Mountain region, watch out for this tick. It’s not just the altitude that’ll leave you short of breath—this guy might be packing Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and Rickettsia parkeri. Like its dog tick cousin, it prefers grassy open spaces, too.
Soft Tick (Ornithodoros hermsi)
Unlike the hard-bodied ticks above, the soft tick skips the woods and fields for a more low-key lifestyle in nests, cabins, or caves. It might not look as menacing, but don’t be fooled—it can carry Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia parkeri, and Borrelia turicatae. These ticks are linked to relapsing fever, a condition as annoying as it sounds, with recurrent bouts of fever, headache, and chills.
Have Lyme Disease or suspect you do?
Tick Bite First Response: What to Do Immediately
Remove the tick safely and immediately. Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and get as close to your skin as possible. Gently but firmly pull upward with even pressure—don’t twist or jerk because tiny mouthparts can break off and stay under your skin. If you’re tick-less but curious, keep a tick removal tool in your first aid kit; it’s one of those things you’ll thank yourself for later.
Clean the bite area thoroughly. Once the tick is out, lather up with soap and water, grab that rubbing alcohol, or reach for an iodine solution. The goal is to eliminate any potential infections before they even get close.
Save the tick for identification. Put the tick into a sealed bag or a small jar and label it with the date. If you start feeling off, your healthcare provider might need to identify the tick to help diagnose any tick-borne illness, including Lyme disease.
Watch for symptoms. Keep an eye on the bite area for the telltale Lyme disease “bullseye” rash, though not everyone with Lyme gets it. Don’t shrug off flu-like symptoms either—fever, chills, muscle aches. Track anything unusual with a quick note or app; this could be lifesaving information for your doctor later.
Reach out to your doctor proactively. If the tick was attached for over 24 hours—or you’re in an area where Lyme disease is common—it’s worth a call to your healthcare provider to discuss follow-up steps. They might recommend tests, preventive antibiotics, or just some extra vigilance. It’s always better to overreact a little than regret underreacting.
Reduce infection risk immediately after removal. While waiting for symptoms doesn’t always aim for early detection, applying an antiseptic not just to the bite but also to nearby areas provides an extra barrier against opportunistic bacteria.
You can find additional information about which ticks carry Lyme Disease at our blog listed below:
Removing ticks may not be glamorous (or particularly fun), but every detailed step counts. If you tackle tick bites correctly right from the start, you’re upping your chances of avoiding complications later. And isn’t that peace of mind worth a few squeamish moments?
Prevention: The Real Defense
Stopping a tick bite before it happens is always the best plan. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to create this defense and keep those tiny attackers at bay.
1. Dress for protection. When heading into wooded trails or grassy fields, wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck your pants into your socks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot any tiny dot-sized hitchhikers crawling around.
2. Use tick repellents. Keep ticks away with a spray of EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which can create a powerful barrier against ticks. For your clothes and gear, consider permethrin—a repellent that stays active through several washes. Treat your hiking boots, camping gear, or even that floppy sun hat for extra coverage. (But never put permethrin directly on your skin!)
3. Stick to safer paths. Ticks love hanging out on tall grasses and low shrubs, just waiting for you to brush by. Walking in the center of trails instead of along the edges minimizes your chances of becoming their new home.
4. Shower post-adventure. After a hike, gardening session, or any outdoor fun, hop in the shower ASAP. The water won’t rinse off attached ticks, but it’s perfect for washing away any that haven’t latched on yet. Plus, it’s the best time to do a full-body tick check.
5. Make tick checks a habit. Don’t forget to check behind your knees, under your arms, along your waistband, and yes—even in your hair.
6. Guard your yard. If your backyard feels like a tick paradise, there are ways to reclaim your outdoor space. Clear tall weeds and brush, keep grass cut short, and consider creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
7. Protect your pets. Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products, check them after outdoor play, and consider keeping long-haired pets groomed to make spotting ticks easier.
8. Be smart about gear. After spending time outdoors, toss your clothing into a hot dryer for 10–15 minutes before washing—it’ll kill any ticks hiding in fabric folds. Don’t skip this step; ticks are surprisingly tricky when it comes to surviving cold or wet environments.
9. Stay informed. Know when and where ticks are most active in your area. Spring and summer are prime tick seasons in many regions, especially in wooded spots of the Northeast, Midwest, and Northwest. But don’t let your guard down in fall—ticks can still sneak around until the first frost.
10. Don’t forget the little extras. If you’re a frequent adventurer, consider carrying a tick-removal tool in your bag. They’re cheap, tiny, and can make a massive difference if you find a tick mid-hike.
Have Lyme Disease or suspect you do?
Final Word: Don’t Underestimate Tick-Borne Infections
Understanding which ticks carry Lyme disease and other illnesses is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. By staying informed, practicing effective prevention, and acting quickly after a tick bite, you can significantly lower your risk of complications.
Take proactive steps to safeguard your health, and don’t hesitate to consult practitioners who are experts in Lyme disease if you suspect exposure. Awareness and preparation are your strongest tools against tick-borne diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not all ticks spread Lyme disease. Only specific species, like black-legged ticks (deer ticks), are responsible for transmitting the bacteria. These ticks are found primarily in wooded and grassy areas in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central US.
Ticks typically take 36 to 48 hours of attachment to transmit Lyme bacteria. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities can help significantly reduce the risk of infection.
After a tick bite, promptly remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area thoroughly, save the tick for identification, and monitor for symptoms like a bullseye rash or flu-like signs. Contact your healthcare provider, especially if the tick was attached for over 24 hours.
Yes, ticks can carry multiple illnesses, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, and ehrlichiosis. Some tick species are linked to different diseases depending on the region.
To prevent tick bites, wear long, protective clothing, use EPA-approved tick repellents, stick to cleared paths, shower after outdoor activities, perform daily tick checks, and manage your yard to reduce tick habitats.
Co-infections occur when ticks transmit multiple diseases simultaneously, like babesiosis or anaplasmosis, alongside Lyme. These can complicate symptoms, so it’s essential to discuss all concerns with your healthcare provider.
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward gently but steadily. Avoid squeezing or twisting the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Yes, save the tick in a sealed container or bag for identification. Healthcare providers can use this information to assess potential risks and determine appropriate treatment options.
References:
Hao, Q., Zhang, C., Zhang, J., Zhang, Q., & Wang, H. (2022). Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of human babesiosis in China: A systematic review. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 11(1), 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-022-00983-z
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 24). How Lyme Disease Spreads. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/causes/index.html
Free Lyme/Mold Webinar: "Why Am I Still Sick?"
Have Lyme Disease or suspect that you do?
We have helped thousands of
people restore their health
and quality of life by diagnosing
and treating their Lyme Disease.
“Dr. Mueller’s approach to medicine is refreshing! There is only so much you can do with western medicine and in my life I was needing a new approach. By addressing the whole body, nutritional diet factors, environmental factors, blood work, and incorporating ideas I had not previously known, I was able to break through with my conditions. I am not only experiencing less pain in my life, but through the process of healing guided by Dr. Diane Mueller, I am now happy to say I have more consciousness surrounding how I eat, what to eat and when things are appropriate. Living by example Dr. Mueller has a vibrancy that makes you want to learn and know more about your body and overall health. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for new answers, a new approach to health, or in need of freedom from pain and limitations.”
-Storie S.
Kihei, HI
