Ticks of Illinois: a guide on different species, how to avoid them and what to do if you're bitten
ILLINOIS, Ill. (WCIA) — Tick season has arrived in Illinois. While there are around 15 different known species in Illinois, experts warn that there are a couple you should watch out for as ticks become more active.
Ticks are arachnids like scorpions, spiders and mites, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. They are some of the most efficient carriers of disease because they attach firmly to their host, feed slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time.
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To keep track of tick populations in the state, the IDPH maintains a tick surveillance map online. It also provides information on diseases the ticks may carry, and other important information to know.
Blacklegged Tick
The Blacklegged Tick can be found in most counties in Illinois. In Central Illinois, it's well established in counties like Champaign, Vermilion, Piatt, Iroquois, Coles, Macon and Sangamon counties, among others.
Adults are reddish-brown and about 1/8-inch long. They're often found in wooded areas along trails.
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According to the IDPH, the Blacklegged tick can transmit several different diseases. This includes anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease, Borrelia miyamotoi and ehrlichiosis.
While symptoms vary for the diseases, they all include fever, chills, headache, body aches or joint pain, and fatigue. Some that contract anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis may also see a rash.
Although treatment needs vary from person to person, most who become sick with anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Borrelia miyamotoi and ehrlichiosis can be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Most asymptomatic people with babesiosis do not need treatment.
PREVIOUSLY: Ticks, diseases increasing; Champaign Co. Forest Preserve shares prevention, treatment tips
Lone Star Tick
The Lone Star Tick is widely distributed across the southeastern and and eastern parts of the United States. In Central Illinois, it's established in Moultrie, Shelby, Macon, Christian and Sangamon counties, among others.
The nymph is the most common stage found on people, and is about the size of a pinhead. Adults are about 1/8-inch long and brown. The adult female has a white spot in the middle of her back.
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According to the IDPH, the Lone Star tick can transmit several different diseases. This includes ehrlichiosis and Heartland virus.
Ehrlichiosis is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star tick. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, altered mental status, and a rash. It can be treated with doxycycline.
Heartland virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star Tick. At this time, officials aren't sure if other species of ticks can pass on the virus. Symptoms generally include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle and joint pain. There are no medications to treat Heartland virus.
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American Dog Tick
The American Dog Tick can be found all across Illinois. In Central Illinois counties, the American Dog Tick is established in Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas, Piatt, Macon, among others.
Male and female American Dog Ticks are reddish-brown and about 3/16-inch long when they have not fed in awhile. Females have a large silver-colored spot behind the head and will become ½-inch long after feeding. Males have fine silver lines on the back, but do not get much larger after feeding.
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According to the IDPH, the American Dog Tick can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever usually begin 3 to 12 days after a bite from an infected tick and include a high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands in the first couple of days. A rash usually develops after the fever, and later symptoms can include altered mental status, coma, respiratory compromise, necrosis of limbs, organ damage, and death. It can be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline.
Symptoms of tularemia usually begin between 3 and 5 days after a bite from an infected tick or other exposure. This often includes fever, chills, headache, fatigue, anorexia, muscle pain, sore throat, gastrointestinal distress, and abdominal pain and a cutaneous ulcer at the site of the tick bite. Antibiotics can be used to treat tularemia.
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Gulf Coast Tick
The Gulf Coast Tick can be found across the southeastern parts of the United States, but populations have also been reported in the northeast, midwest, and southwest. In Central Illinois, populations have been reported in Champaign, Macon, Cumberland and Effingham counties.
Gulf Coast Ticks can be identified by the markings on their red bodies. Adult males have white lines in a web-like formation on the entire body and adult females have bright, white markings on the dorsal shield.
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According to the IDPH, the Gulf Coast tick can spread Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, which is a form of spotted fever.
Between two and 10 days after someone has been bitten by an infected Gulf Coast tick, they may begin to experience signs and symptoms. This can include an ulcerated, necrotic lesion where the tick was attached. Several days after the lesion appears, symptoms including fever, headache, rash, and muscle aches may appear.
The disease is treated with the antibiotic doxycycline.
The best way to protect yourself from ticks is to avoid areas that are known to be infested with them. But, if you live or visit wooded area, or places with tall grass and weeds, follow these steps to prevent tick bites:
How do I remove a tick? Champaign Co. Forest Preserve District provides tips:
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes and a head covering
Apply insect repellent containing 10-30% DEET to clothes, then spray the repellent onto hands and then apply to face
Walk in the center of trails so weeds do not brush against you
Check yourself, children, family members and pets every two to three hours for ticks
Remove any tick promptly
If you are bitten, wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, apply antiseptic to the bite
If you unexpectedly become sick with a fever, contact a physician, especially if you have been outdoors in areas where ticks were present
You can learn more about ticks and how to prevent tickborne illness on the IDPH's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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