Ticks in Oregon: Complete 2026 Guide

Which tick species live in Oregon, what diseases they carry, when they're most active, and how to stay protected.

4912

Tick Reports

Moderate

Risk Level

3+

Species Found

Tick Species in Oregon

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

Found in Rocky Mountain states. Vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.

Western Black-legged Tick

Primary vector for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Found in wooded and grassy areas.

Brown Dog Tick

Can complete its entire lifecycle indoors. Primarily infests dogs and kennels.

Most Reported in Oregon

Unidentified
10%
Deer Tick
0%
Lone Star Tick
0%
American Dog Tick
0%

Tick-Borne Diseases in Oregon

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Colorado tick fever

Lyme disease (Pacific coast)

Tick Season in Oregon

Active Season

March – October

Peak Danger

April – June

During peak months in Oregon, nymph-stage ticks (the size of a poppy seed) are actively feeding. These tiny ticks are responsible for most disease transmission because they're difficult to spot. Always do thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors, especially during April – June.

See month-by-month tick activity guide →

Tick Prevention Tips for Oregon

  1. 1

    Use EPA-registered tick repellent

    Apply DEET (20–30%) to exposed skin and permethrin (0.5%) to clothing, shoes, and gear.

  2. 2

    Wear protective clothing outdoors

    Long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light colors to spot ticks.

  3. 3

    Do daily tick checks

    Check your body, children, and pets after outdoor activities. Focus on the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind ears.

  4. 4

    Shower within 2 hours

    Showering after coming inside can wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check.

  5. 5

    Maintain your yard

    Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create a 3-foot gravel barrier between your lawn and wooded areas.

  6. 6

    Protect your pets

    Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round. Check pets daily for ticks.

Track Live Tick Activity in Oregon

See the latest tick bite and sighting reports from Oregon on our interactive map.

Tick RemovalLyme DiseaseTick Bite SymptomsTick PreventionTick SeasonTicks on DogsAll Tick Species