Types of Ticks Found in Kentucky
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess – 06-03-2025
As spring ushers in the warmer weather, many of us who love spending time outdoors often have to deal with a formidable foe: ticks. These tiny critters are capable of causing huge health problems. Often, tickborne illnesses go undetected until serious health issues arise. This makes understanding ticks and tick bites of utmost importance.
In today’s blog, let’s take a look at the common types of ticks in Kentucky, what they look like, and how you can stay safe while enjoying your time outdoors!
Common Ticks in Kentucky
Black-legged Tick (Deer Tick) – Ixodes scapularis
- Description: This small tick is known for its reddish-brown color and distinctive black legs. Adults are about the size of a pinhead or a sesame seed, and nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed.
- Health Risks: The black-legged tick is a primary vector for Lyme disease, which can cause severe health issues if left untreated.
- Habitat: These ticks thrive in damp, wooded areas with dense brush and undergrowth, and within leaf litter.
American Dog Tick – Dermacentor variabilis
- Description: Recognizable by its larger size and white markings on the back, this tick is often found in grassy areas and along trails. Female adults are about 3/16 of an inch when unfed.
- Health Risks: American dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, making them a significant concern for outdoor activities.
- Habitat: They prefer open fields and wooded edges, often found in areas frequented by pets.
Lone Star Tick – Amblyomma americanum
- Description: This tick is easily identified by the distinctive white dot on the female’s back. They are aggressive feeders and can be pretty large, with adult females reaching 1/8 inch long when unfed.
- Health Risks: Lone star ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, which is an allergic reaction to red meat.
- Habitat: They are commonly found in wooded areas, brushy fields, and even urban environments with underbrush or brushy areas.
Brown Dog Tick – Rhipicephalus sanguineus
- Description: This tick is reddish-brown and smaller than some other species. Unlike others, it can thrive indoors. Females are about 1/8 inch long unfed.
- Health Risks: Brown dog ticks can transmit canine ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- Habitat: They are often found in or around homes where dogs are present, as they prefer to nest in or near kennels and bedding.
Why Understanding Ticks Matters
A bite from a tick can be a life-changing experience, and not a good one! Because these creatures are vectors of various diseases, they threaten human health and the health of our pets. If you live in Kentucky, it’s important to learn about the different types of ticks in the area. Understanding what they look like and where they like to hang out can help you take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Here are some practical tips and personal protection measures to prevent tick bites:
Actionables for Tick Prevention
- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
- Use Tick Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin to clothing and exposed skin.
- Check for Ticks After Outdoor Activities: Conduct thorough checks of your body and clothing, especially in warm, moist areas like the armpits, behind the knees, and the scalp.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass trimmed and remove debris to minimize tick habitats around your home.
Conclusion
Four Seasons Pest Solutions’ staff enjoy helping our customers learn more about pests and pest safety. Understanding the types of ticks found in Kentucky, where to expect to find them, what they look like, and their associated health risks can give you the knowledge and confidence to continue to enjoy the outdoors safely. By implementing preventive measures and being vigilant after outdoor activities, you can reduce your chances of contracting tick-borne illnesses as well.
If this isn’t enough, our team is readily standing by to offer tick control for your property that will not only reduce ticks but also reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases that you or your family could face. Our treatments are kid and pet-friendly, safe for the environment, and put a hurtin’ on pests! Come see why EVERYBODY says, “It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!”
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
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