Ticks in Missouri

Missouri, known as the Show-Me State, is home to a plethora of outdoor recreation areas that offer residents and visitors alike a chance to explore its diverse landscapes and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. From majestic forests and sparkling lakes to rugged mountains and winding rivers, Missouri has something to offer every nature lover. Unfortunately, Missouri is also home to a wide variety of dangerous ticks.

Ticks that live in Missouri may include the blacklegged tick (deer tick), American dog tick, brown dog tick, Lone Star tick, Asian longhorned tick, poultry tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, Cayenne tick, Gulf Coast tick, and Pacific Coast tick. As ticks actively expand their habitats across the United States designating defined geographical regions as the sole place of residence of any given tick is becoming a fleeting challenge.

Ticks in Missouri are a threat everywhere, from the deep forest to urban backyards. These lethal arachnids employ a behavior known as "questing", a passive strategy where they position themselves in vegetation, such as tall grasses or shrubs, and wait for a potential host to pass by.

Ticks have specialized sensory organs located on their legs, known as Haller's organs, which can detect stimuli such as heat, carbon dioxide, vibrations, and odor. When a human or animal approaches a waiting tick senses these stimuli and reacts by extending its legs outward, latching on as you pass by.

Once a tick has hitched a ride, it will crawl to a secluded location on your body, attach, and feed on your blood. Ticks secrete a unique substance that prevents you from feeling their bite, so they can feast unnoticed. Disease transmission may occur.

Popular outdoor areas in Missouri that are also home to ticks:

One of the most popular outdoor destinations in Missouri is the Mark Twain National Forest. Encompassing over 1.5 million acres, this expansive forest spans across southern and central Missouri and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hikers can explore a vast network of trails that wind through the forest, leading to breathtaking vistas, tranquil streams, and hidden waterfalls. The Ozark Trail, a 350-mile long-distance trail, traverses through the heart of the forest, providing hikers with an immersive wilderness experience. The forest is also a haven for hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts, with abundant game species and diverse ecosystems.

Another iconic outdoor recreation area in Missouri is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Designated as America's first national river, this pristine waterway stretches for 134 miles and is comprised of the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering bluffs, lush forests, and scenic vistas. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for smallmouth bass and trout, while hikers can explore numerous trails that meander along the riverbanks and through the surrounding wilderness. Camping is available along the river, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of this natural treasure.

For those seeking a mountainous outdoor experience, the St. Francois Mountains in southeastern Missouri are a must-visit destination. This ancient range, part of the Ozark Plateau, offers rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, and unique geological formations. Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri, provides hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is dotted with state parks, including Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, which features natural swimming pools, rocky bluffs, and challenging hiking trails. The St. Francois Mountains are also known for their abundance of wildflowers and fall foliage, attracting nature enthusiasts year-round.

Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is a haven for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive reservoir covers over 54,000 acres and offers countless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Visitors can cruise along the lake's scenic shoreline, drop a fishing line for bass or catfish, or simply relax on sandy beaches. The lake is surrounded by state parks, marinas, and resorts, providing ample opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. With its picturesque coves, towering bluffs, and clear waters, the Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Missouri.

Missouri boasts a remarkable array of outdoor recreation areas that showcase its natural beauty and provide a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking through the Mark Twain National Forest, paddling along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, conquering the St. Francois Mountains, or enjoying water activities on the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri's outdoor offerings are sure to captivate and inspire.

So, grab your hiking boots, sunscreen, sense of adventure, and go experience all that Missouri has to offer. Just don’t forget your tick repellent. The wide variety of human biting ticks that call Missouri home commonly transmit over a dozen tick-borne diseases. Ticks are out there ruining lives every day, do not become a statistic.

Ticks in Missouri transmit conditions such as Lyme disease, tularemia, babesiosis, tick paralysis, Powassan virus, Heartland virus, Colorado tick fever, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, and Alfa gal allergy.

Major cities in Missouri also home to ticks include Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee's Summit, O'Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, and Blue Springs.