Today’s Tick Risk in Georgia – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Lyme present but less common; high RMSF/Ehrlichiosis risk
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Gulf Coast tick expanding inland
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Fulton & Atlanta Metro, Chatham, Glynn, North Georgia Mountains, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Current Situation in Georgia
Georgia's tick landscape is dominated by the aggressive Lone Star tick, making it a primary region for Ehrlichiosis and Alpha-gal syndrome. While Lyme disease exists, it is less common than in the Northeast; however, the tick forecast for Georgia warns of other serious pathogens. The state is also seeing a significant rise in the Gulf Coast tick population. From the Blue Ridge mountains in the north to the Okefenokee Swamp in the south, ticks are a constant presence. The mild winters in Georgia mean that tick prevention is a year-round necessity for hikers, hunters, and gardeners.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Georgia, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Where Ticks Hide in Georgia
Georgia's habitat varies from the Appalachian foothills in the north to the coastal flatlands. The northern hardwood forests support some blacklegged ticks. The central Piedmont region, with its mix of pine and deciduous forests and heavy suburban development (Atlanta metro), is prime Lone Star tick territory. The coastal plain and barrier islands (Golden Isles) feature sandy soils and palmetto scrub that support Gulf Coast ticks. The high humidity throughout the state aids tick survival.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
Tick activity in Georgia is year-round. The Lone Star tick, the most common biter of humans here, is active from early spring through late fall. In the southern part of the state, activity may never fully cease. The Gulf Coast tick is also active during the heat of summer. Residents should be particularly vigilant during the spring turkey hunting season and the fall deer season, as these activities bring humans into prime tick habitat.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Georgia helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
Appearance: Distinct white dot or "lone star" on female's back. Reddish-brown body.
Peak Season: Active from early Spring through late Fall
Habitat: Woodlands with dense undergrowth and around animal resting areas.
Diseases: Ehrlichiosis, Alpha-gal Syndrome, STARI, Heartland Virus, Bourbon Virus
Note: Aggressive hunter. Actively pursues hosts.
Gulf Coast Tick
Amblyomma maculatum
Appearance: Reddish-brown with ornate silver/white markings creating an eye-catching pattern.
Peak Season: April-September
Habitat: Coastal grasslands, marshes, beaches, and open areas near water.
Diseases: Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
Heading to a lake in Georgia?
Live water temperatures and swim conditions for Lake Lanier.
See Georgia lake temperaturesWhen does tick season end in Georgia?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Georgia typically arrives around Nov 10. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Georgia first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Georgia?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Georgia mosquito risk profile.
View Georgia mosquito forecastStay Safe in Georgia
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