Are There Ticks in Washington? A Guide to Washington Tick Species

Ticks are a widespread concern across North America, feeding on a broad range of hosts, including humans and their pets. These parasites are not just a nuisance; they are vectors for various diseases, making it essential for residents and visitors in Washington State to be aware of the tick species in their vicinity.

Does Washington Have Ticks?

Yes, Washington is home to several species of ticks, part of the large arachnid sub-order Ixodida. While the global tick population encompasses over 800 species, Washington hosts a smaller variety of these bloodsucking pests, with a few posing health risks to humans and animals.

How Common Are Ticks in Washington?

Ticks are found throughout Washington, from its dense forests and coastal areas to urban parks and backyards. Their presence varies with geography, climate, and season, but certain areas, especially those with lush vegetation and wildlife, harbor higher tick populations.

Types of Ticks in Washington

Understanding the types of ticks present in Washington can help you take appropriate preventive measures against tick bites and the different diseases they may carry. Here’s a look at the most common tick species in the state:

The Western Blacklegged Tick

The western blacklegged tick, commonly found in Pacific coastal regions of Washington, is relatively small with a reddish-brown to black coloration. This tick prefers wooded and grassy areas, often latching onto small mammals and birds as hosts, and occasionally larger mammals like deer. One significant concern is its role as a vector for Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

Western Dog Tick

The Western Dog Tick, prevalent in Washington, has a robust appearance, typically reddish-brown with grayish markings. These ticks are commonly found in grassy areas and open spaces, attaching themselves to a variety of hosts, including domestic dogs, wildlife, and even humans. While Western Dog Ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, they are more of a concern for pet owners due to their impact on canine health. Regular tick checks on pets and the implementation of tick prevention strategies can help mitigate the risks associated with Western Dog Ticks.

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is recognizable by its larger size and reddish-brown coloration. In Washington, these ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and grasslands, especially in the eastern parts of the state. The adult stage males and females, favor medium to large-sized mammals like deer, elk and livestock as hosts, and they readily bite humans, too. Of particular concern is their ability to transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever. Residents engaging in outdoor activities, especially in regions where Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks are prevalent, should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent to reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities are also advisable.

Ixodes angustus Tick

This rather cryptic tick has no common name and looks quite similar to the western blacklegged tick but is active in different seasons than its more common look-alike. Ixodes angustus primarily feeds on mice, voles, and occasionally shrews and rats. It rarely feeds on humans or domestic animals and shows up mostly on dogs and occasionally people in areas around Puget Sound later in the summer, well after the typical activity period of adult western blacklegged ticks has passed. It is known to transmit the germs causing Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.

When Is Tick Season in Washington?

Tick activity in Washington varies by species and geography but generally peaks from early spring through summer. The western blacklegged tick, for instance, is most active from late fall through early spring, coinciding with milder wet weather. It's crucial to remain vigilant for ticks year-round, especially when spending time in areas known for tick activity.

How to Stay Safe from Ticks in Washington

Protecting yourself and your loved ones from ticks involves a combination of personal precautions and environmental management. Here are some strategies to help minimize tick encounters:

Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, your children, and pets after spending time outdoors.
Keep your yard well-maintained, with grass cut short and bushes trimmed, to reduce tick habitats.
Use tick preventative products on pets, as recommended by your veterinarian.
Wear protective clothing treated with permethrin when hiking or walking in wooded or grassy areas.
Consider treating your clothing and gear with permethrin, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in tick-prone areas.
Wear a long-sleeve shirt and tuck your pants into your socks to create an additional physical barrier against ticks when venturing into wooded or grassy areas.

Ticks are a fact of life in Washington, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of tick bites and the diseases they may carry. For added protection, explore Insect Shield’s range of permethrin-treated clothing and gear, designed to keep ticks at bay whether you’re on a hike, in your backyard, or enjoying a picnic in the park.