Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, and awareness of it has grown steadily over the past few decades. Most people now recognize Lyme as a serious concern, but fewer realize just how quickly it is spreading. Once primarily found in the Northeast, Lyme cases are now being reported across much of the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and is even spreading into parts of the southern and western United States. As the disease spreads, staying informed and prepared becomes more important than ever.
But how exactly does Lyme disease move from wildlife into people? Ticks don’t start out infected. Instead, they acquire the bacteria that causes Lyme disease—Borrelia burgdorferi—by feeding on an infected animal host, such as a mouse. Once acquired by the tick, the bacteria can be transmitted to humans or pets during a later bite, turning a simple tick encounter into a potential health risk.
Which Ticks Spread Lyme Disease?
Not every tick’s bite can spread Lyme disease. In the United States, only the blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick) is able to pass on Lyme. Other tick species can still make you sick, but with different illnesses—such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or ehrlichiosis.
Recent analysis of the results of TickCheck’s tick testing concludes that of 2,000+ specimens, 30% of blacklegged ticks tested carried the Lyme bacteria. It’s important to remember, however, that not every bite by an infected tick will result in transmission of Lyme to the host. These ticks must typically be attached for 18-24 hours before transmission can occur.
Blacklegged ticks can be hard to spot. Unfed ticks are small, flat, and dark in color. As they feed, they swell in size, becoming rounder and more swollen. An engorged tick may also lighten in color.
Wildlife and the Spread of Lyme Disease
Ticks feed on more than 300 different animals- everything from deer and cattle to chipmunks and even birds. Of these animals however, only some are capable of carrying and transmitting Lyme to a feeding tick: mice, chipmunks, birds and shrews.
Juvenile ticks feeding from white-footed mice are especially likely to become infected, making these small mammals key players in Lyme’s spread. Once a tick acquires the bacteria, it can transmit it during future feedings.
Deer, while not sources of Lyme bacteria themselves, play a different role. They are the preferred host for adult blacklegged ticks (hence the nickname ‘deer tick’), and by carrying them into forests, fields, and even backyards, they help expand where ticks can be found.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
If you live in an area where deer, mice, or other wildlife are common, there’s a good chance ticks are present as well. Prevention is the best protection- here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Be cautious in tick-prone areas: tall grass, brush, wooded trails, and edges where lawns meet the woods.
- Check yourself, your kids, and your pets after spending time outdoors.
- Act quickly if you find a tick. Remember, it usually takes 18–24 hours for Lyme transmission to occur, so removing a tick promptly and properly is the best defense.
- Use safe removal tools. Carrying a dedicated tick remover ensures you can take ticks off quickly and completely.
By understanding the role wildlife plays in Lyme disease and practicing prevention, you can reduce your risk and stay safer outdoors.
Worried About a Recent Tick Bite?
If you’ve removed a tick and want peace of mind, TickCheck offers fast and reliable tick testing services. Simply send the tick to our lab, and we’ll identify the species and test it for Lyme disease and other common pathogens. Knowing whether a tick was carrying disease can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about next steps.
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