Summer in Oklahoma—long days, outdoor grilling, lake weekends, and unfortunately… ticks. These arachnids…yes, they are related to spiders…waste no time getting to work when conditions become favorable for their emergence.

Because our state is right in the middle of tick country, we can all use a refresher on how and why we should avoid them. Read on to learn more about four species that are native to our area and discover ways to stay a step ahead of them…

Brown Dog Ticks

These are probably the most widely distributed ticks on the planet as they’re found across the globe. They’re known as “three host ticks” because they will attach to a victim at all stages of development: as larvae, nymphs, and adults. 

Brown dog ticks are extremely common in Oklahoma. As the name indicates, dogs are their primary targets. However, they will bite people within their proximity.

Adult ticks are reddish-brown and lack distinct markings. They typically reside in kennels, behind baseboards, around dog beds…and of course, on the dogs themselves! 

An important detail is they love living indoors. Once they’ve come into your house, brown dog tick season effectively never ends…they can breed all year long. Yikes!

Members of this species don’t usually transfer harmful diseases to humans, but they can really make your dog ill. If you see them, you’ll definitely want to remove them ASAP.

Lone Star Ticks

One of the most common tick species in Oklahoma, this three-host species indiscriminately targets livestock, wildlife, and birds. They will also feed on humans during all three stages of development.

Their name refers to a large white spot seen on the backs of females. Males lack this marking. Adults are reddish-brown and grow to about the size of a sesame seed. 

These ticks are active from early spring to fall. You really need to watch for them as they are known to transmit serious pathogens like human monocytic ehrlichiosis (can be fatal), Southern tick-associated rash illness (similar to Lyme disease), and Heartland virus (often requires hospitalization to recover). 

Lone star tick bites can also cause red meat allergies.

American Dog Ticks

This species targets dogs and other small to medium-sized mammals. Adult ticks will occasionally feed on larger animals like horses and cows. 

The most important thing you need to know about American dog ticks is that adults often target humans. These opportunistic hunters live in large numbers in areas people like to visit, notably wooded recreational sites, and climb onto people as they stand still or pass by.

These ticks carry serious pathogens. Not every one of them hosts a disease, but the risk is great enough that you need to really watch for them. 

Another important point is that in Oklahoma they are the only known transporters of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). This serious disease can cause paralysis or death if not identified and treated early. 

Fact: Oklahoma and North Carolina historically report the highest incidence of RMSF, accounting for more than a third of all cases annually.

These ticks are larger than other types. Adults feature white, gray, or silver markings along with their basic brown/black color.

Mature ticks die after laying eggs, leaving offspring to hatch and grow on their own. If you think a cold winter will kill them, think again! Larvae and nymphs can survive more than two years without feeding! 

 Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)

Although not active during the summer, this species deserves mention because of its notable association with Lyme disease.

Deer ticks are active from late September to early April. Adults are about 1/8” long and have dark bodies with black legs. Females are slightly larger than males and feature a reddish “shield” on their abdomen.

They live in shaded woods, under leaf piles, and on tall grass. They target deer, mice, birds, and cattle, and will attach to people when given an opportunity.

Although their link with Lyme disease receives a lot of publicity, this illness is virtually non-existent in Oklahoma. Medical records reveal only 19 Lyme disease cases in Oklahoma from 2000 to 2020. Two of these incidents occurred in Cleveland County…and zero in Oklahoma County! Northern states, however, report multiple incidents every year.

How to Avoid Ticks (of all types)

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks (or boots). You may look silly but will be better able to prevent ticks from getting to your skin.
• Llght-colored clothing will help you spot and remove ticks before they attach.
• Use repellent when in tick territory. DEET for skin, permethrin for clothes.
• Check your body thoroughly after being outside. Examine armpits, behind knees, waistbands, and hairline. Perform the same checkup on your kids.
• Look over your pets…particularly dogs…daily. Concentrate on ears, neck, eyes, and paws. Use vet-recommended tick preventatives and keep bedding clean.
• If you find a tick: use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it close to the skin and pull steadily. Clean the area and watch for symptoms like rashes or fever.

Final Thoughts

Ticks are gross, but they’re part of life here in the Southern Plains. Becoming aware of tick behavior and exercising a few preventive measures can help you enjoy the outdoors better.

If ticks are currently a problem at your place, or if they become a problem in the future, contact KC Pest Control at (405) 679-8729. As experienced professionals, we can help you get free of these threats and implement an ongoing control program to keep them at bay.