Learn About Longhorned Ticks in Georgia – and How to Get Rid of Them!

Asian longhorned ticks are a relatively new species of tick in the United States. In the article “Asian longhorned ticks-A new tick in the United States,” the CDC states that this type of tick was first spotted in the United States in 2017. The CDC further reports that, as of March 11, 2019, longhorned ticks have been found in the following sites: Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

As of 2019, longhorned ticks have not yet been spotted in Georgia.

Although longhorned ticks are not yet a problem in the metro Atlanta, Georgia, the pest control experts at Healthy Home Pest Control still want to help you be prepared should you encounter an unfamiliar looking tick. Continue reading to learn more about this new tick species invading the U.S.

Basic Facts About Longhorned Ticks

The longhorned tick is not normally found in the Western Hemisphere. These ticks were first reported in the United States when a longhorned tick was found on a sheep in New Jersey in 2017. See below for some basic facts on this new species of tick in the U.S.:

  • In the U.S., longhorned ticks have so far been found on wildlife, livestock, and people
  • Female longhorned ticks can lay eggs and reproduce without mating
  • It is possible to find thousands of this type of tick at one time
  • Researchers are still investigating to find out where longhorned ticks live in the U.S.

Concerns About Longhorned Ticks

In other countries the bites from this type of tick can make people and animals very ill. Although research is still ongoing, harmful germs have not yet been found on longhorned ticks collected in the U.S. While this is good news, we still recommend that you take basic precautions to protect yourself from all types of ticks as the warmer weather approaches. Also, If you believe you have found a longhorned tick you should contact your state agriculture department or local agricultural extension office to identify the tick.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Animals From Longhorned Ticks

As the weather warms up, you and your animals will likely start spending more time outdoors, and that may have you worried about longhorned ticks as well as other tick varieties. If you believe you have a tick problem, we encourage you to schedule a free inspection with Healthy Home Pest Control. Also, see below for some tips on how to protect yourself and your animals and reduce the risk of tick bites.

  • Use EPA registered insect repellents that contain at least one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthanediol, or 2-undecanone
  • Shower as soon as possible after spending time outside
  • Do a daily thorough tick check as ticks are known to hide
  • Tumble your clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes
  • Treat your pets or livestock with veterinarian approved treatments for ticks

Contact Healthy Home Pest Control for a Free Tick Inspection

Longhorned ticks are not yet present in metro Atlanta, but other varieties of disease-carrying ticks do make their home in areas we serve, such as Cartersville, Kennesaw and Alpharetta. Healthy Home Pest Control can help you rid your home of harmful ticks. Call us today at (770) 505-9040, or complete or online form, to schedule your free inspection.