Today’s Tick Risk in Texas – 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
How bad are ticks in Texas in 2026?
Texas has heavy tick pressure in 2026, led by the lone star tick across the eastern half of the state. Mild winters keep ticks active nearly year round in south Texas, while spring through early fall is peak season statewide. Wooded parks, tall grass, and deer habitat carry the highest risk.
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Lower Lyme; high Murine Typhus and Spotted Fever
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Suburban sprawl increasing exposure in Hill Country
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Montgomery, Travis, Harris, Sam Houston National Forest, Big Thicket National Preserve, Tyler State Park, Garner State Park
Current Situation in Texas
Texas is a massive state with diverse tick risks ranging from the pine forests of East Texas to the brush country of the South. The tick forecast for Texas highlights the Lone Star tick in the east and the Brown Dog tick and Gulf Coast tick in the south and west. While Lyme disease is less common than in the north, it is present, along with Murine Typhus and Spotted Fevers. The "Hill Country" and East Texas Piney Woods are the highest risk zones for outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, the Blacklegged tick has been found more frequently, raising concerns about the potential for Lyme disease expansion.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Texas, 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) - East TX
Where Ticks Hide in Texas
In East Texas, the dense pine and hardwood forests (Sam Houston National Forest) mimic the tick habitats of the Deep South and support high densities of Lone Star ticks. The Texas Hill Country, with its scrub oak and juniper, supports high deer and tick populations, making state parks like Garner and Enchanted Rock risk zones. Coastal Texas is home to the Gulf Coast tick. In urban areas like Austin and Houston, greenbelts and parks are significant sources of tick exposure, as deer have adapted to suburban life.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
In East and South Texas, ticks are a year-round problem. Peak activity is generally March through September. The Gulf Coast tick is active in the hottest months. In North Texas, there is a more defined winter break, but it is short. Hunters in the fall and winter are at risk, particularly from adult ticks. Spring wildflowers bring out hikers, who often unknowingly walk through questing ticks in the tall grass.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Texas 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.
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
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
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 Texas?
Live water temperatures and swim conditions for Lake Travis, Lake Conroe.
See Texas lake temperaturesWhen does tick season end in Texas?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Texas typically arrives around Nov 20. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Texas first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Texas?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Texas mosquito risk profile.
View Texas mosquito forecastStay Safe in Texas
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