10 Facts About Ticks in Kentucky

Ticks are tiny hitchhikers with a big impact and can cause life-changing disease and illness. Here are 1o facts about ticks in Kentucky you should know before heading outside:

1.  Kentucky Has Several Tick Species

The most common are the American dog tick, lone star tick, and blacklegged (deer) tick—each with its own habits and health risks.

2.  Ticks Are Active from Early Spring to Late Fall

Tick season in Kentucky usually starts in March and can last through November, depending on the weather.

3.  They Don’t Jump or Fly

Ticks wait on tall grass or shrubs with outstretched legs—a behavior called “questing”—until something warm-blooded brushes by.

4.  They Can Spread Serious Diseases

Ticks in Kentucky can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).

5.  Lone Star Ticks Are Surprisingly Aggressive

Unlike other species, these ticks actively seek out hosts and can cause a red meat allergy (alpha-gal syndrome) in some people. Yes, really.

6.  Your Backyard Could Be a Hotspot

Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas. Keeping your yard trimmed and leaf litter cleared can reduce risk.

7.  Tick Bites Are Often Painless at First

You may not even know you’ve been bitten until you spot the tick or develop symptoms later. Always do tick checks after being outdoors.

8.  Proper Removal Is Critical

Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull the tick straight out, close to the skin. Don’t twist, burn, or smother it—those methods can make things worse.

9.  Not All Ticks Carry Disease

Just because you’ve been bitten doesn’t mean you’ll get sick, but it’s still smart to watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue.

10. Prevention Is Your Best Defense

Use EPA-registered repellents (check out our ultimate guide to personal insect repellants), wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, and shower soon after outdoor activities. Most importantly, use professional pest control, like Four Seasons Pest Solutions, to drastically reduce tick presence on your property.

Whether you’re hiking in Red River Gorge, Visiting Natural Bridge, Traversing Daniel Boone Forrest, or gardening in your backyard, a little awareness goes a long way in avoiding these stealthy bloodsuckers. Protect yourself and those you love by performing regular tick checks and utilizing personal and professional pest control!