As temperatures rise and outdoor activities ramp up, so does the risk of encountering one of Tennessee’s most troublesome pests—ticks. These small but dangerous parasites are more than just a nuisance. Some species in Tennessee are capable of spreading serious diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and even red meat allergies. At Armor Termite and Pest Control, we’re here to help you protect your family, pets, and property from the risks associated with ticks.
Understanding Ticks and Their Life Cycle
Ticks are external parasites that feed exclusively on blood from mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva (6 legs), nymph (8 legs), and adult. Each feeding stage typically requires a different host, which can include anything from rodents and deer to domestic pets—and humans.
Ticks attach to their hosts using specialized mouthparts that pierce the skin and allow them to feed undetected for days. Many tick-borne illnesses are transmitted only after the tick has been attached for 24 hours or more, making early detection and removal critical.
Common Tick Species in Tennessee
Several tick species are found across Middle Tennessee and the surrounding region, but the most commonly encountered include:
1. Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Season: Spring through fall.
- Appearance: Reddish-brown with a white dot on the female’s back.
- Diseases: Ehrlichiosis, STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness), red meat allergy.
- Fact: This tick is aggressive and will actively seek out hosts.
2. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
- Season: Most active in spring and early summer.
- Appearance: Brown body with silver streaks on the back.
- Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia.
- Note: Adults feed on larger mammals, including dogs and humans.
- Fact: Adults can survive up to two years without feeding.
3. Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
- Season: Year-round indoors.
- Appearance: Uniform reddish-brown color, often found indoors on pets.
- Diseases: Canine Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- Unique Risk: Can complete its entire lifecycle indoors.
- Fact: Only ticks in the Ixodes genus can transmit Lyme disease.
4. Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
- Season: Year-round when temperatures are above 40°F.
- Appearance: Reddish-orange body with black legs.
- Diseases: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis.
- Risk Level: Requires longer feeding times (24+ hours) to transmit Lyme.
- Fact: This tick can complete its entire life cycle indoors, making it a risk for households.
Tick-Borne Illnesses in Our Region
Tennessee’s climate and habitat make it a hotspot for several tick-borne illnesses:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Early symptoms include fever, rash, and muscle aches. Left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
- Ehrlichiosis: Causes flu-like symptoms and can be especially serious in children and those with weakened immune systems.
- Lyme Disease: Less common in Tennessee, but still a concern, especially for those traveling to or from other regions.
- Alpha-gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy): Linked to bites from the Lone Star tick, causing allergic reactions to beef, pork, and lamb.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
Personal Protection:
- Avoid walking through tall grass, brush, and uncut fields.
- Stick to the center of mowed trails.
- Use EPA-approved repellents containing 20–30% DEET on exposed skin.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily; tuck pants into socks and boots.
- Check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks every 2–3 hours when outdoors and again at home. Pay special attention to behind the ears, neck, hairline, waist, and legs.
Pet Protection
- Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian, such as collars, topical treatments, or oral medications.
- Check pets thoroughly after they’ve been outdoors—ticks can hitch a ride on your pets and enter your home.
Safe Tick Removal
If you find a tick attached:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Store the tick in a sealed bag with the date and location, in case identification is needed later.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If you develop fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms within several weeks of a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider.
- Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications from most tick-borne diseases
- Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian, such as collars, topical treatments, or oral medications.
- Check pets thoroughly after they’ve been outdoors—ticks can hitch a ride on your pets and enter your home.
Armor Termite and Pest Control: Your Local Tick Experts
Ticks are a serious concern in Tennessee, but with the right knowledge and prevention, you can enjoy the outdoors safely. Armor Termite and Pest Control offers comprehensive tick management solutions for your home and yard, helping protect your family and pets from tick-borne threats. Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a tick treatment—let’s keep your outdoor adventures safe and worry-free!