Add Tick Legal Alaska Collections Forms For Free

Young deer ticks, called nymphs, are active from mid-May to mid-August and are about the size of poppy seeds. Adult ticks, which are approximately the size of sesame seeds, are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. Both nymphs and adults can transmit Lyme disease.

Ticks are common in many parts of the world, including Alaska. Alaska is home to six native tick species, or ticks that have historically been found in the state. Several non-native (or invasive) and medically-important tick species have been found in Alaska on animals or on people who have traveled from out of state.

Lyme disease cases are reported most often in Northeastern states. Pennsylvania had 29.2% of all reported cases from 2016–2019. New Jersey followed with 11.7%, and New York reported 11.6%. Seven of the 10 counties most affected by Lyme disease are in Pennsylvania.

Ticks can come to Alaska on dogs, and on farm animals like cows and horses. Dog, deer and moose ticks aren't native to Alaska, but could survive here if introduced. There is one native species, generally found on squirrels and hares.

Ticks are common in many parts of the world, including Alaska. They live by feeding on the blood of other animals. Some infected ticks can transmit pathogens (bacteria or viruses that cause disease).

Ticks, small blood-sucking arachnid parasites, are not well-known in Alaska. One species, generally found on squirrels and hares, is fairly common and native to the state, but those aren't the problem. It's the introduction of non-native, potentially disease carrying ticks that's a concern.

States with the fewest ticks carrying these diseases are Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. They do, however, have tick species that carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis, among others.

Ticks can come to Alaska on dogs, and on farm animals like cows and horses. Dog, deer and moose ticks aren't native to Alaska, but could survive here if introduced. There is one native species, generally found on squirrels and hares. “We have had them come up on people,” Beckmen said.

Even Alaska is home to several notable tick species, and while it's fortunate that not all of them are dangerous to humans, there are a few diseases to watch out for when it comes to Alaskan ticks. In particular, they are known for spreading the following diseases: Lyme disease. Rocky Mountain spotted fever.