Are There Ticks in Nevada? A Guide to Nevada Tick Species

When you're enjoying time outside, hiking Red Rock Canyon, camping at Great Basin, or exploring the forests of northern Nevada, the last thing you want to deal with is a tick bite. Unfortunately, ticks are a reality in much of Nevada, especially in the spring and summer months. These parasites latch onto human and animal skin, crawl to warm, hidden areas, and feed on blood to grow and reproduce.

Key Takeaways

Nevada has several tick species, with the highest risk generally occurring in higher-elevation, vegetated areas rather than dry urban environments.
Rocky Mountain wood ticks are among the most common in Nevada and are especially active from April through July in forests, meadows, and trails.
Other species include brown dog ticks, western black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and soft ticks, each with different habitats and disease risks.
Tick activity generally peaks from April through September, particularly in northern and central Nevada where vegetation, shade, and wildlife are more abundant.
Reduce your risk by wearing protective or permethrin-treated clothing, checking yourself and pets after outdoor activities, and controlling tick infestations on pets and around the home.

Does Nevada Have Ticks?

Yes, Nevada does have ticks - and depending on your location and activity, you may be more at risk of encountering them.

Ticks are ectoparasites belonging to the arachnid class and the order Ixodida. While not all tick species are dangerous to humans, several found in Nevada are known to transmit serious diseases. Understanding what ticks live in Nevada, when they’re most active, and where they’re most likely to be found can help you take preventative steps to protect yourself and your pets.

How Common Are Ticks in Nevada?

Nevada’s climate varies from arid deserts to forested mountain regions. Ticks are not especially common in dry urban areas like Las Vegas, but they can be found in high desert shrublands, sagebrush-covered valleys, and mountainous forests, especially in the northern and central parts of the state.

Tick encounters increase during spring and summer, particularly from April through September, when the weather is warm and people are more likely to hike, camp, or explore nature. Areas with more vegetation, shade, and wildlife are most likely to support tick populations.

Types of Ticks in Nevada

Ticks found in Nevada can carry a range of diseases, and each species tends to favor certain hosts or habitats. Here are the most commonly encountered tick species in the Silver State:

Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks

This is the most common tick species in Nevada, especially at higher elevations. They prefer grassy meadows, trails, and forests and are often found on humans and dogs after outdoor recreation.

Rocky Mountain wood ticks can carry the bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever. While not every tick is infected, it's crucial to remove ticks promptly and monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue.

Adult ticks are most active during the spring and early summer months, typically April through July.

Brown Dog Ticks

The second most common tick in Nevada is the brown dog tick. Unlike many other tick species, it can thrive indoors and establish infestations inside homes, dog kennels, or animal shelters, particularly in warmer, drier parts of the state. This species primarily feeds on dogs and is known to transmit canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, both serious diseases in pets.

While brown dog ticks are less likely than some other species to bite people, they can still pose a public-health concern. In the southwestern United States and other arid regions, heavy infestations of brown dog ticks around homes and dogs have been linked to cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a potentially severe bacterial illness. Human infections have been associated with environments where tick-infested dogs live in close proximity to people. Although these situations are still relatively uncommon, they highlight the importance of controlling tick infestations on pets and in living spaces.

Western Black-Legged Ticks (Deer Ticks)

Although less common in Nevada than in coastal or forested regions, the western black-legged tick has been identified in some higher-moisture areas, particularly in northern parts of the state.

This tick is important to watch for because it is the primary vector of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. These ticks are often found in oak woodlands, along hiking trails, or near bodies of water where deer and other wildlife roam.

Nymphs are active in late spring and early summer, while adults become more prominent in fall and early spring.

American Dog Ticks

American dog ticks are found in grassy or brushy areas of Nevada and may bite dogs, raccoons, and humans. These ticks prefer open fields and meadows and are often picked up during walks along trails.

They are capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever, though they are not known to spread Lyme disease. As with other ticks, females stay attached longer and feed more extensively than males, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Various Soft Tick Species

In the arid landscapes of Nevada, soft ticks are an important but often overlooked group. Unlike hard ticks, soft ticks have a wrinkled, leathery appearance and lack the hard shield found on other species. They also behave very differently. Instead of waiting on vegetation to latch onto a passing host, soft ticks typically live in rodent burrows, caves, or rustic cabins. They are nocturnal feeders and bite quickly, often going unnoticed. Some species are known to transmit tick-borne relapsing fever, a bacterial illness that causes recurring episodes of fever, chills, and muscle aches. Preventing exposure often involves avoiding infested dwellings and managing rodent populations in and around buildings.

When Is Tick Season in Nevada?

Tick season in Nevada typically spans from April through September, when temperatures are warm and outdoor activity is at its peak. This is when adult ticks and nymphs are most active and when humans and pets are most likely to encounter them.

While the risk in southern desert areas like Las Vegas is lower, northern and central regions with higher elevation, more vegetation, and greater wildlife presence create suitable environments for tick activity.

Insect Shield: Protect Yourself From Nevada Ticks

Ticks in Nevada may not be as widespread as in more humid states, but they still pose a threat, especially during the warmer months and in natural landscapes.

To help reduce your risk of bites, wear Insect Shield clothing that repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs. Insect Shield gear is a reliable and effective way to stay protected on the trail or around your yard. Browse our full selection of insect-repellent clothing and accessories today and stay protected wherever your Nevada adventures take you.