Are There Ticks in Kansas?
Yes, ticks are present throughout Kansas, particularly in grasslands, woodlands, and semi-arid regions across the state. American dog ticks are the most common species found in Kansas. While tick-borne diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever are a concern, most people bitten do not develop disease.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
American Dog Tick · Nova Patch CC BY-SA
American Dog Tick · Matthew Lindsey CC BY
Asian Longhorned Tick · Zachary Dankowicz CC BY
- 8,898
- GBIF records
Yes, ticks are in Kansas. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
4 types of ticks recorded in Kansas
4 tick species have a verified observation record in Kansas, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Yes, ticks are present throughout Kansas, particularly in grasslands, woodlands, and semi-arid regions across the state. American dog ticks are the most common species found in Kansas. While tick-borne diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever are a concern, most people bitten do not develop disease.
Are they in Kansas?
Ticks are established throughout Kansas in grasslands, woodlands, brushy areas, and semi-arid habitats across all regions of the state. American dog ticks are the primary species found in Kansas and are present in tall grass, brush, and sagebrush areas statewide. Lone star ticks have expanded their range and are increasingly found in some areas of Kansas, particularly in eastern portions. Brown dog ticks are found indoors and in sheltered locations throughout the state. The Flint Hills region, creek valleys, and wooded areas of eastern and southeastern Kansas provide abundant tick habitat. Both urban and rural areas can harbor ticks, particularly in areas with suitable vegetation and wildlife. OurTick in Kansasguide offers detailed information on recognizing and preventing tick encounters throughout the state.
How dangerous is it?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the primary disease of concern from tick bites in Kansas. This illness is caused by bacteria transmitted by infected ticks and can result in fever, headache, and rash within three to 14 days of infection. With prompt antibiotic treatment, most cases respond well. Untreated Rocky Mountain spotted fever can develop into serious complications affecting the nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Lyme disease is less common in Kansas compared to the Northeast, though cases do occur. Most people bitten by ticks do not contract disease, and the risk is significantly reduced by prompt removal. Early detection of ticks and immediate removal greatly decreases disease transmission risk.
How to recognize one
Ticks in Kansas are small eight-legged arachnids ranging from sesame seed size when unfed to approximately pea size when engorged. American dog ticks are reddish-brown with white or gray markings on their back. Lone star ticks are brown with a distinctive white or cream-colored spot on the female's back. Ticks hide in tall grass, brush, sagebrush, and under rocks and logs. They cling to vegetation waiting for a passing animal or person and crawl onto your clothing and skin. Ticks commonly attach to the legs, feet, and behind knees but can attach anywhere on the body. After spending time in tick habitat, perform a thorough body check, particularly in warm areas behind ears and in groin areas. Regular checks after exploringKansas wildlifegrasslands and brushy areas help ensure early detection.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upward without twisting, crushing, or jerking the tick. Do not apply oil, petroleum jelly, heat, or other substances to the tick, as these can cause it to regurgitate bacteria into your body. After removal, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. You can save the tick in a container for identification purposes if desired. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Monitor the bite area and your health for several weeks following removal, and seek medical attention if you develop fever, rash, or muscle aches.
How to prevent encounters
Prevention is the most effective strategy for avoiding tick bites in Kansas. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when hiking, camping, or working in grassy or brushy areas. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Apply tick repellent containing 20% DEET to exposed skin before heading outdoors. Permethrin can be applied to clothing and gear for extra protection. After returning indoors, perform a thorough body check, paying special attention to warm areas such as armpits, behind knees, and groin. Shower and wash all clothing in hot water, which kills ticks effectively. Keep your property maintained by mowing grass short and removing brush and woodpiles. Checkour wildlife guidesfor additional prevention tips.
Where in Kansas and when
Ticks are found throughout Kansas, with particularly high populations in the Flint Hills grasslands, creek valleys and woodlands, and brushy areas across the state. Grasslands in western Kansas and wooded areas in eastern Kansas both support tick populations. Ticks are most active from April through September in Kansas, with peak activity in May and June when nymphs are seeking their first blood meal. Adult ticks may also be active in late spring, summer, and early fall. Some tick species may remain active on warmer days in late fall and winter. People hiking, camping, ranching, or working outdoors should be especially vigilant during the warm months when tick activity is highest.Wildlife in Kansasareas with suitable vegetation carry the highest tick risk.
Harmless lookalikes
Several small arthropods found in Kansas are commonly mistaken for ticks, though most are harmless. Small beetles, mites, and spiders may resemble ticks in appearance. Chiggers are the larval stage of mites and are common in Kansas grasslands and brushy areas. They cause itching similar to tick bites but do not transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. Lice nits may also be confused with ticks. Seed ticks are young ticks that cluster together and are sometimes mistaken for insects, but these are actual ticks and should be removed carefully. The most reliable way to identify a tick is to count the legs, as all ticks have eight while most insects have six. If you are uncertain about an identification, consultmore on Tick in Kansasor take a photo to send to a local health department or pest management professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove a tick I found attached to my skin? Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick where it enters your skin and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Never twist, squeeze, or apply heat to the tick, as these actions can cause pathogens to enter your body. What diseases can ticks transmit in Kansas? Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the primary concern in Kansas, though Lyme disease is also possible. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, rash, and muscle aches within three to 14 days of infection. How quickly do I need to remove a tick to prevent disease transmission? Remove any tick as soon as you notice it. The longer a tick is attached, the greater the risk of disease transmission. Can I die from Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Deaths are rare with prompt antibiotic treatment, but untreated cases can be serious. Consult yourKansas wildlife guidefor more information.
Plan your tick sighting in Kansas
8,898 verified tick records have been logged in Kansas, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Kansas
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park · Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Fort Larned National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Fort Scott National Historic Site · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Kansas?+
Ticks are established throughout Kansas in grasslands, woodlands, brushy areas, and semi-arid habitats across all regions of the state. American dog ticks are the primary species found in Kansas and are present in tall grass, brush, and sagebrush areas statewide. Lone star ticks have expanded their range and are increasingly found in some areas of Kansas, particularly in eastern portions. Brown dog ticks are found indoors and in sheltered locations throughout the state. The Flint Hills region, creek valleys, and wooded areas of eastern and southeastern Kansas provide abundant tick habitat. Both urban and rural areas can harbor ticks, particularly in areas with suitable vegetation and wildlife. OurTick in Kansasguide offers detailed information on recognizing and preventing tick encounters throughout the state.
How dangerous is it?+
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the primary disease of concern from tick bites in Kansas. This illness is caused by bacteria transmitted by infected ticks and can result in fever, headache, and rash within three to 14 days of infection. With prompt antibiotic treatment, most cases respond well. Untreated Rocky Mountain spotted fever can develop into serious complications affecting the nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Lyme disease is less common in Kansas compared to the Northeast, though cases do occur. Most people bitten by ticks do not contract disease, and the risk is significantly reduced by prompt removal. Early detection of ticks and immediate removal greatly decreases disease transmission risk.
More wildlife in Kansas