NC Tick Identification Guide
Which Tick Bit You?
North Carolina has several common tick species. Learning which one bit you can help you know what to watch for next..
Know Your Ticks
Common Ticks in North Carolina
Compare the tick that bit you to these descriptions.
Blacklegged Tick
(Deer Tick)
Very small — the size of a sesame seed. Reddish-brown body. Adults have a black plate (scutum) behind the head.
Disease risk: Can spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
American Dog Tick
Larger than a deer tick. Brown with white or gray markings. Most common tick in NC.
Disease risk: Can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
Lone Star Tick
Medium size. Female has a single white dot on her back. Very common in NC woodlands and fields.
Disease risk: Can spread ehrlichiosis and cause alpha-gal syndrome (meat allergy).
Brown Dog Tick
Reddish-brown. Long and narrow body. Mostly found on dogs but will bite people too.
Disease risk: Can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Gulf Coast Tick
Brown tick with pale markings. Often found in grassy areas, open fields, and edges of wooded areas.
Disease risk: Can spread Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, an illness similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Where Ticks Are Found in NC
Ticks are active most of the year in North Carolina's warm climate.
Yard edges
The border between your lawn and the woods or tall grass is a high-risk zone.
Near animal paths
Deer and other wildlife carry ticks along their regular trails.
Tall grass and brush
Ticks wait on grass and plant stems for people or animals to walk by.
Wooded areas
Shady forests and leaf piles are common tick hiding spots.
Tick Questions Answered
Not sure what you found? These answers can help.
Can I tell which tick bit me from the bite alone?
Not usually. Tick bites can look very similar. Saving the tick in a bag or taking a clear photo is the best way to identify it later.
Are all ticks dangerous?
No. Not every tick carries disease. But it is still important to remove ticks quickly, save the tick if you can, and watch for symptoms.
When are ticks most active in NC?
Ticks can be active most of the year in North Carolina, especially during warm months. Some ticks can still be active on mild winter days.
What if the tick is very small?
Very small ticks can still bite. Use fine-tipped tweezers, save the tick if possible, and watch for symptoms after the bite.
Think You Were Bitten?
Know What to Do Next
If you found a tick on your skin, remove it safely, save it if you can, and watch for symptoms.
Immediate Help
Bitten by a Tick?
Use our bite guide to know what to do right now.
Health Guidance
When to See a Doctor
Learn which symptoms may need medical attention after a tick bite.
