Ticks in Ohio

Tick Bite Prevention and Tick Removal
Tick Species Comparisons
Tick Tips for Ohio Deer Hunters
Video: Beware of Ticks in Winter
Tick Myths

American dog ticks, blacklegged ticks, and lone star ticks can all pose a threat to outdoorsmen and women during the fall hunting seasons. A few simple measures can decrease your chances of being bitten by a harmful tick while out in the field.

Unlike pets and humans, wild animals such as deer are not affected by the blacklegged tick and suffer no ill effects from Lyme disease. Additionally, Lyme disease cannot be transmitted by the consumption of venison. Hunters should keep in mind, however, that hunting and dressing deer may bring them into close contact with infected ticks.

Take the time to learn about Ohio's tick species and how to protect yourself. Also, read about ticks and Lyme disease on the Ohio Department of Health's Web site.

You may be able to identify a tick you found using the diagram below.  If you believe the tick is a lone star or blacklegged tick, or if you are unable to identify the tick, you may send the tick to your local health department for identification. 

To have the tick identified, it should be saved in a hard container such as a pill bottle or film canister. Place a few blades of grass in the container with the tick. Containers should be mailed as soon as possible. If needed, the ticks may be safely refrigerated for several days until mailed. Be sure to include the following contact information: name, address and phone number; date tick was collected; Ohio county where it was collected, and indicate whether or not the tick was attached to a person or animal.

A Comparison of Tick Species

This diagram shows three ticks of importance to Ohio, the American dog tick, the blacklegged tick, and the lone star tick. Click the image to enlarge. Photo credit: Glen Needham

Tick Seasonal Activity

Blacklegged ticks are active during Ohio's fall and winter hunting seasons. This chart shows their annual activity cycle. Click the image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Rich Gary, Ohio Department of Health

Tick Tips for Ohio Deer Hunters 

This diagram shows three important ticks that occur on Ohio deer: the winter tick, the blacklegged 'deer' tick, and the lonestar tick. The diagram also provides information about lyme disease in Ohio and prevention of tick bites and disease.  Click the image to enlarge. Credit: Glen Needham

Tick Photo Gallery

Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, like the ones pictured here, have been identified in Coshocton County, and some may be infected with Lyme disease.  The tick on top is a male and the bottom tick is a female. They are shown next to a man's fingertip for size comparison. Photo credit: Glen Needham	Blacklegged ticks, sometimes called deer ticks, are considerably smaller than American dog ticks, shown on the top left of this photo. The three ticks on the bottom right are black-legged ticks. Photo credit: Glen Needham	Female blacklegged tick	Female blacklegged tick

Male blacklegged tick	Male blacklegged tick	Mating blacklegged ticks	Mating blacklegged ticks

Female blacklegged tick Photo credit: Glen Needham	Male blacklegged tick Photo credit: Glen Needham	Female blacklegged tick on a leaf Photo credit: John Pogacnik	Blacklegged ticks next to a penny Photo credit: Glen Needham

Blacklegged tick nymph, male, and female Photo credit: Glen Needham	Blacklegged tick male, female, and nymph on inch ruler Photo credit: Glen Needham	American dog tick with blacklegged tick male, female, and nymph Photo credit: Glen Needham	Female American dog tick on man's arm Photo credit: Glen Needham

Blacklegged tick attached to man's arm Photo credit: Glen Needham	Removing a tick - get more information Photo credit: Glen Needham	This is optimal blacklegged tick habitat in northern Ohio. These ticks are active even during our cold months. Hunters and other people in the outdoors should protect themselves from these ticks year-round.	Erythema migrans, a skin rash, is often the first sign of Lyme disease. Photo credit: Rob Hossler and Kathy Curran

Blacklegged ticks, female top, male bottom, attached to a white-tailed deer Photo credit: Glen Needham