Today’s Tick Risk in Washington – 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
- Low but persistent Lyme in West
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Expanding range of Western Blacklegged Tick
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- King, Pierce, Mason, Thurston, Spokane, Olympic National Park
Current Situation in Washington
Washington State presents a tale of two climates. The tick forecast for Washington highlights a distinct "West vs. East" divide. West of the Cascades, the Western Blacklegged Tick (*Ixodes pacificus*) thrives in the humid forests, carrying Lyme disease. East of the Cascades, the dry pine forests and sagebrush support the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick and American Dog Tick, which transmit Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The risk of Lyme disease is real but lower than in the Northeast, often leading to delayed diagnoses.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Washington, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Western Blacklegged Tick (West) & Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (East)
Where Ticks Hide in Washington
The wet, mossy forests of the Olympic Peninsula and the Puget Sound region are prime habitat for Western Blacklegged Ticks. They are often found in leaf litter and on low shrubs. In Eastern Washington, ticks are concentrated in the transition zones between forest and steppe, and along river corridors like the Yakima and Columbia. Urban parks in Seattle and Bellevue also harbor tick populations, often brought in by deer and birds.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
In Western Washington, ticks can be active year-round due to the mild climate, with peaks in spring and late fall. In Eastern Washington, the season is strictly spring and early summer (April-June). "Questing" behavior is most common on cool, humid days. Hikers in the Cascades should be vigilant in the spring snowmelt zone.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Washington helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Western Blacklegged Tick
Ixodes pacificus
Appearance: Similar to deer tick. Dark brown to black. Adults are 3-5mm.
Peak Season: Adults: Oct-May | Nymphs: May-Jul
Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodlands, coastal scrub. Often feeds on lizards as nymphs.
Diseases: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, B. miyamotoi
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Appearance: Brown with gray/white mottling, similar to dog tick but found at higher elevations.
Peak Season: March-July
Habitat: Shrublands, lightly wooded areas, and grasslands at 4,000 to 10,500 feet elevation.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis
Note: Saliva contains neurotoxin that can cause Tick Paralysis (reversible after removal).
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
When does tick season end in Washington?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Washington typically arrives around Oct 28. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Washington first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Washington?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Washington mosquito risk profile.
View Washington mosquito forecastStay Safe in Washington
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