Are There Lone Star Ticks in Tennessee?
Yes, Lone Star Ticks are common throughout Tennessee. These medically significant ticks are well-established across the state from east to west, thriving in Tennessee's forests, woodlands, and brushy habitats. Tennessee's warm climate and high humidity provide ideal conditions for these ticks.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Lone Star Tick · Jeff Clark CC BY
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- 1
- species recorded
- 2,635
- GBIF records
- May, April, June
- peak months
Yes, lone star ticks are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
630 verified observations on iNaturalist of lone star tick have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in May, April, June.
When lone star tick are recorded in Tennessee
Yes, Lone Star Ticks are common throughout Tennessee. These medically significant ticks are well-established across the state from east to west, thriving in Tennessee's forests, woodlands, and brushy habitats. Tennessee's warm climate and high humidity provide ideal conditions for these ticks.
Are They in Tennessee?
Yes, Lone Star Ticks are established and common throughout Tennessee. They are found in all regions of the state, from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the Cumberland Plateau in central Tennessee to the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. The ticks are especially abundant in the eastern deciduous forests of the Appalachian region and the mixed hardwood forests of central and western Tennessee. Tennessee's warm, humid climate and abundant oak-hickory forest provide perfect conditions for Lone Star Ticks. They are among the most common human-biting ticks in the state, and anyone who spends time outdoors during the warm months should expect possible encounters. Local hospitals and healthcare providers throughout Tennessee are well-acquainted with Lone Star Tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. The ticks are regularly encountered in state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas throughout Tennessee. They are found in urban parks, suburban yards with wooded areas, and rural habitats. Populations are densest in forested regions, but they can also inhabit brushy grasslands and cleared areas with sufficient vegetation. Learning about Lone Star Ticks and taking prevention measures is standard outdoor safety practice for anyone inwildlife in Tennessee.
How Dangerous Is It?
Lone Star Tick bites in Tennessee should be taken seriously because these ticks can transmit serious pathogens, including Bourbon virus and Heartland virus. These ticks are also associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an unusual allergic reaction to red meat that can develop after being bitten by an infected tick. A Lone Star Tick bite is typically painful and produces a visible wound. Not every Lone Star Tick is infected with a pathogen, and not every bite results in disease, but the risk is real in Tennessee. When infection occurs, symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes rash. Symptoms may take several days to weeks to develop. Most cases respond well to medical treatment, and serious outcomes are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals who seek prompt care. Tennessee has comprehensive healthcare resources and providers trained to diagnose and treat tick-borne illness. Early identification of symptoms and medical attention provide the best outcomes. For most Tennessee residents and visitors, awareness and prevention are sufficient to minimize risk. The key is taking tick bites seriously and seeking medical care if symptoms develop. For more on lone star tick in Tennessee, see ourTennessee lone star tick guide.
How to Recognize One
Lone Star Ticks are small to medium-sized ticks, roughly the size of a sunflower seed or small pea before feeding. The female is dark reddish-brown with a single cream-colored or silvery spot on her back, which is the most distinctive identifying feature. This spot resembles the lone star on the Texas flag and is where the tick gets its common name. The spot is easily visible to the naked eye and is the most reliable way to identify a female Lone Star Tick. Male Lone Star Ticks lack the central spot and have a brownish color with subtle markings. Both males and females have glossy bodies and reddish-brown legs. All adult ticks have eight legs. Nymphs are much smaller and harder to spot. When unfed, ticks are relatively small, but as they feed on blood, they gradually swell. Once fully engorged, a female can become as large as a marble and may appear grayish or tan rather than brown. Lone Star Ticks prefer to bite on warm, moist areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs, armpits, behind the ears, and along the hairline and scalp. They are active hunters and will climb high on grass and brush to wait for passing animals or people. You can also browseTennessee wildlife.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Stung
If you find a tick attached to your skin, the goal is to remove it as quickly and safely as possible. Prompt removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as you can and pull straight outward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist, jerk, squeeze, or crush the tick body, as this can cause it to rupture and increase infection risk. After removal, wash your hands and the bite area thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. You may keep the tick in a sealed container or ziplock bag if you want to have it identified later, though this is optional. Never use petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances to try to remove a tick, as these methods can stimulate the tick to release more saliva into the wound. Wash any clothing that contacted the tick in hot water and dry on high heat. After removing any tick, perform a complete body check, as multiple ticks are sometimes present simultaneously. 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. Watch for fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or rash developing over the following weeks and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
How to Prevent Encounters
In Tennessee, where Lone Star Ticks are common throughout the state, taking prevention measures is practical outdoor safety. When hiking, camping, or working in wooded areas, brushy habitats, or natural areas, wear long pants tucked into your socks and long sleeves to minimize exposed skin. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot before they bite. Apply insect repellent containing 20 percent DEET to exposed skin and reapply after several hours or after swimming. Permethrin-based repellents applied to clothing are especially effective at preventing tick attachment. Stay on marked trails and avoid wading through tall grass, dense brush, and thick leaf litter where ticks concentrate. After outdoor activities, check your entire body for ticks as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours. Pay special attention to warm, moist areas such as the groin, armpits, behind the ears, hairline, and between toes. Shower and wash your outdoor clothes in hot water and dry on high heat. Inspect your pets for ticks after outdoor activities, as they commonly bring ticks into homes. Trim grass and brush near your home to reduce tick habitat. For information about enjoyingTennessee wildlifesafely, consult local wildlife and health resources.
Where in Tennessee and When
Lone Star Ticks are found throughout Tennessee in all counties and habitat types. They are particularly abundant in the Appalachian region of eastern Tennessee, including counties along the Great Smoky Mountains such as Sevier, Cocke, and Blount. The ticks are also common in the Cumberland Plateau region of central Tennessee and in the mixed hardwood forests of middle Tennessee. West Tennessee, including areas along the Mississippi River and its tributaries such as the Tennessee River, also hosts established populations. These ticks inhabit state parks, national forests, and protected natural areas throughout the state. Lone Star Ticks are most active from March or April through October, with peak activity typically occurring in May, June, and July when temperatures are warm and humidity is high. Some activity can continue into November. Tennessee's mild winters allow populations to survive, and warm springs bring rapid population growth. If you spend time outdoors during spring and summer in Tennessee's forests, parks, and natural areas, Lone Star Ticks will likely be active. Eastern regions with higher forest coverage typically have denser populations than more developed or agricultural areas.
Harmless Lookalikes
Several other tick species in Tennessee are sometimes confused with Lone Star Ticks. The American dog tick is reddish-brown and similar in size but lacks the distinctive white spot. Instead, it has a mottled or scalloped pattern on the back. The Rocky Mountain wood tick is slightly larger with a different appearance. The brown dog tick is smaller and more uniformly brown. The Gulf Coast tick occasionally appears in Tennessee and can resemble the Lone Star Tick but lacks the characteristic spot. All of these species are less medically significant than the Lone Star Tick, though some can transmit other tick-borne illnesses. Woodchuck ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and several other minor species also live in Tennessee. If you find a tick without the single white spot on the female, it is likely one of these other species. The presence of that distinctive silvery spot on the female is the key identifying feature of the Lone Star Tick. Having a tick identified by a healthcare provider or local health department can confirm the species, which helps determine appropriate follow-up if symptoms develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common are Lone Star Tick bites in Tennessee? A: Lone Star Tick bites are fairly common in Tennessee, especially during spring and summer in wooded and brushy areas. Many outdoor fans and residents encounter them regularly. Q: Are Lone Star Ticks deadly? A: Lone Star Tick-borne illnesses can be serious but are treatable with prompt medical care. Deaths are rare in healthy adults, though hospitalization may be needed in severe cases. Most infections respond well to treatment. Q: What should I do if I find a tick on my body in Tennessee? A: Remove it immediately using tweezers, grasp close to your skin, and pull straight out. Save the tick if you want identification, and monitor for symptoms over the following weeks. Q: What attracts Lone Star Ticks to Tennessee? A: Tennessee's warm, humid climate, abundant oak-hickory forests, and dense vegetation all support thriving Lone Star Tick populations. Q: Can I prevent all Lone Star Tick bites? A: While you cannot prevent all encounters with ticks, proper prevention measures significantly reduce your risk of being bitten. Protective clothing and repellent are highly effective. Explorewildlife guidesand learn more about enjoyingTennessee wildlifesafely.
Plan your trip
Best time to see lone star tick in Tennessee: May, April, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your lone star tick sighting in Tennessee
2,635 verified lone star tick records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are They in Tennessee?+
Yes, Lone Star Ticks are established and common throughout Tennessee. They are found in all regions of the state, from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the Cumberland Plateau in central Tennessee to the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. The ticks are especially abundant in the eastern deciduous forests of the Appalachian region and the mixed hardwood forests of central and western Tennessee. Tennessee's warm, humid climate and abundant oak-hickory forest provide perfect conditions for Lone Star Ticks. They are among the most common human-biting ticks in the state, and anyone who spends time outdoors during the warm months should expect possible encounters. Local hospitals and healthcare providers throughout Tennessee are well-acquainted with Lone Star Tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. The ticks are regularly encountered in state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas throughout Tennessee. They are found in urban parks, suburban yards with wooded areas, and rural habitats. Populations are densest in forested regions, but they can also inhabit brushy grasslands and cleared areas with sufficient vegetation. Learning about Lone Star Ticks and taking prevention measures is standard outdoor safety practice for anyone inwildlife in Tennessee.
How Dangerous Is It?+
Lone Star Tick bites in Tennessee should be taken seriously because these ticks can transmit serious pathogens, including Bourbon virus and Heartland virus. These ticks are also associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an unusual allergic reaction to red meat that can develop after being bitten by an infected tick. A Lone Star Tick bite is typically painful and produces a visible wound. Not every Lone Star Tick is infected with a pathogen, and not every bite results in disease, but the risk is real in Tennessee. When infection occurs, symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes rash. Symptoms may take several days to weeks to develop. Most cases respond well to medical treatment, and serious outcomes are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals who seek prompt care. Tennessee has comprehensive healthcare resources and providers trained to diagnose and treat tick-borne illness. Early identification of symptoms and medical attention provide the best outcomes. For most Tennessee residents and visitors, awareness and prevention are sufficient to minimize risk. The key is taking tick bites seriously and seeking medical care if symptoms develop. For more on lone star tick in Tennessee, see ourTennessee lone star tick guide.
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