Key Takeaways
- 1Rocky Mountain wood ticks are the most common tick species in Idaho
- 2Peak tick season in Idaho is March through July
- 3Ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and cause tick paralysis
- 4Check yourself, children, and pets after hiking in brush or tall grass
- 5Prompt removal (within 24-36 hours) significantly reduces disease transmission risk
Understanding Tick Risks in Idaho
Idaho's abundant outdoor recreation opportunities - from hiking in the Boise Foothills to camping in the backcountry - mean tick encounters are a reality for many residents. Understanding which tick species are present, when they're most active, and how to protect yourself is essential for enjoying Idaho's outdoors safely.
While Idaho doesn't have the Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks that concern East Coast residents, we do have tick species capable of transmitting other diseases. Knowledge and prevention are your best defense.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is the most common and medically significant tick in Idaho.
Identification
- Size: Adults about 1/8 inch unfed, up to 5/8 inch when engorged
- Color: Brown with gray-white markings on the back (scutum)
- Shape: Oval, flat when unfed; round and swollen when engorged
- Habitat: Brush, tall grass, forest edges, especially in foothills
- Hosts: Rodents (juveniles), deer, humans, dogs (adults)
- Season: Most active March through July
Diseases and Concerns
Tick paralysis is a rare but serious condition where a feeding tick's saliva causes progressive paralysis. It typically resolves once the tick is removed. If you develop unexplained weakness or difficulty walking after potential tick exposure, seek medical care immediately.
Rocky Mountain wood ticks can transmit or cause:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever - Bacterial infection causing fever, headache, rash
- Colorado tick fever - Viral infection causing fever, headache, muscle pain
- Tick paralysis - Rare but serious; toxin in saliva causes ascending paralysis
- Tularemia - Bacterial infection, also called "rabbit fever"
American Dog Tick
The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is also found in Idaho, though less common in most areas than the wood tick.
Identification
- Size: Similar to wood tick, about 1/8 inch unfed
- Color: Brown with white/gray markings; females have larger white area
- Habitat: Grassy areas, meadows, along trails
- Hosts: Dogs are preferred hosts (hence the name), but will bite humans
- Season: Similar to wood tick, spring through early summer
Other Ticks in Idaho
While Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks are not established in Idaho, people can acquire Lyme disease while traveling to endemic areas (Northeast, Upper Midwest). If you develop the characteristic bullseye rash after traveling, seek medical attention.
Less commonly encountered tick species in Idaho include:
- Brown dog tick - Found primarily on dogs, rarely bites humans, can infest homes
- Winter tick - Primarily affects moose and elk, rarely encountered by humans
- Soft ticks - Associated with rodent nests, rarely bite humans
- NOTE: Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) that carry Lyme disease are NOT established in Idaho
Tick Season in Idaho
Tick activity follows predictable patterns in Idaho:
- March-April: Activity begins as temperatures warm
- May-June: Peak activity; highest risk period
- July: Activity declines as heat and dryness increase
- August-February: Minimal activity; ticks enter dormancy
- Higher elevations: Season may be shifted later (June-July peak)
- Mild winters: May extend activity season
Tick Prevention Strategies
Protect yourself and your family when enjoying Idaho's outdoors:
Personal Prevention
- Wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking through brush
- Tuck pants into socks - Prevents ticks from crawling up legs
- Wear light-colored clothing - Makes ticks easier to spot
- Use EPA-registered repellents - DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin
- Treat clothing with permethrin - Lasts through multiple washings
- Stay on trails - Avoid brushing against vegetation
After Outdoor Activities
- Conduct tick checks immediately after outdoor activities
- Check entire body - Behind ears, scalp, armpits, groin, behind knees
- Check children thoroughly - Especially hairline and ears
- Shower within 2 hours - Helps wash off unattached ticks
- Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10+ minutes to kill ticks
Proper Tick Removal
Prompt removal reduces disease risk. Most tick-borne diseases require the tick to be attached for 24-36+ hours for transmission. The sooner you remove the tick, the lower your risk.
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly and correctly:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers - Not fingers, matches, or petroleum jelly
- Grasp tick close to skin - Get as close to the mouthparts as possible
- Pull straight up with steady pressure - Don't twist or jerk
- Clean the bite area - With rubbing alcohol or soap and water
- Save the tick - In a sealed container for identification if needed
- Watch for symptoms - Monitor the bite site and your health for 2-4 weeks
Protecting Pets from Ticks
Dogs are particularly susceptible to tick bites in Idaho:
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products
- Check dogs after walks in brush, foothills, or parks
- Focus on ears, between toes, armpits, groin
- Ask your vet about tick-borne disease vaccination
- Keep grass mowed short in your yard
When to Call a Professional
Yard treatment for ticks focuses on reducing tick habitat and applying barrier treatments to areas where ticks are active. Treatment starts at $49. Quarterly service provides ongoing protection during tick season.
For property-level tick control, contact Green Guard Pest Control at (208) 297-7947 if:
- You're finding ticks regularly in your yard - Especially near play areas
- You live adjacent to brush or foothills - Higher tick habitat
- Pets are picking up ticks on your property - Not just on walks
- You want perimeter treatment - Before tick season begins
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