Ticks in Tennessee

Tennessee, known as the "Volunteer State," is not only renowned for its vibrant music scene and rich history but also for its breathtaking outdoor recreation areas. From majestic mountains to meandering rivers and serene lakes, Tennessee offers a diverse range of landscapes that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Unfortunately, Tennessee is also home to a wide variety of dangerous ticks.

Ticks that live in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee that are also home to ticks:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as a crown jewel of Tennessee's outdoor destinations. As the most visited national park in the United States, it spans across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park features over 800 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, providing ample opportunities to explore its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. Cades Cove, a picturesque valley within the park, offers scenic drives, biking paths, and historical sites, providing a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

Nestled in the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park captivates visitors with its stunning waterfalls and rugged beauty. The park's namesake, Fall Creek Falls, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Hikers can embark on the park's extensive trail system, leading to overlooks, swimming holes, and other impressive waterfalls. The park also offers camping, fishing, boating, and golfing, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy amidst its natural splendor.

Located in East Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 600,000 acres, it offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Appalachian Trail traverses through the forest, providing hikers with a chance to experience its diverse ecosystems and panoramic views. The forest is also home to numerous rivers and lakes, including the beautiful Watauga Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Obed Wild and Scenic River beckons with its challenging rock climbing routes and thrilling whitewater rapids. Situated in Middle Tennessee, this designated national park unit offers world-class climbing opportunities, drawing climbers from around the globe. The river's rapids provide exhilarating experiences for kayakers and rafters, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.

Tennessee is also blessed with several lakes that provide ample opportunities for water-based activities. Norris Lake, Douglas Lake, and Pickwick Lake are among the state's notable reservoirs, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. These lakes provide idyllic settings for relaxing weekends and memorable family vacations.

Tennessee's outdoor recreation areas aren't limited to mountains and lakes. The Mississippi River, forming the state's western border, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The Reelfoot Lake State Park, located in the northwest corner of the state, is renowned for its unique cypress swamps and abundant wildlife, including eagles and waterfowl.

With its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty, Tennessee provides a plethora of outdoor recreation areas for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear pools, or thrilling outdoor activities, Tennessee's outdoor destinations offer endless possibilities.

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

Ticks in Tennessee 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 Tennessee also home to ticks include Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, and Bartlett.