Your Dog’s Not the Only One at Risk: What Ticks Carry Lyme Disease and What They Mean for Your Family

Wondering what ticks carry Lyme disease? In Wisconsin, the answer is simple and scary. The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the main culprit. These tiny pests are more than just a backyard nuisance; they can pose a real health risk to your entire family, including pets. 

In this article, we’ll break down which ticks carry Lyme disease, what percentage of ticks actually carry the bacteria, and how to protect your loved ones during tick season. 

Not All Ticks Are Trouble, But These Ones Definitely Are 

Ticks come in different types, and not every single one spreads Lyme disease. The one you really need to watch out for is the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). It’s commonly found in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, especially in wooded areas, tall grass, and even your backyard if it’s close to nature. 

These ticks pick up Lyme disease bacteria from infected animals, usually mice or deer, and pass it on when they bite. They’re active mostly in spring, summer, and fall but can also show up on warmer winter days. 

Why You Should Care, Even If You Don’t Hike in the Woods 

Understanding which ticks spread Lyme disease can help you avoid serious health problems. Here’s why this matters for families in Wisconsin: 

• The black-legged tick is small and easy to miss, especially in its nymph stage. 

• A single bite from an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, even if you don’t notice it. 

• Lyme disease symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, causing delays in treatment. 

• Pets can bring ticks indoors, increasing exposure for everyone. 

• Kids playing outside or walking through tall grass are at higher risk than most adults. 

Fighting Back Against Ticks Without Losing Your Summer 

Here’s how to protect your family without giving up the backyard or hiking trails. 

Step 1: Know the Tick Types in Your Area 

Black-legged ticks are the ones that carry Lyme disease. Lone star ticks, wood ticks, and dog ticks are less of a concern for Lyme in Wisconsin. 

Step 2: Understand the Risk Numbers 

Wondering what percentage of ticks carry Lyme disease? In high-risk areas of Wisconsin, between 20% and 40% of black-legged ticks may be infected. That’s nearly 1 in 3. 

Step 3: Use Protection (The Bug Kind) 

Apply insect repellent with DEET or permethrin when spending time outdoors. Treat clothing and shoes if you’ll be in tall grass or brushy trails. 

Step 4: Check Everyone After Outdoor Time 

Do a full-body tick check after being outside, especially for kids and pets. Ticks love to hide in warm, tight places like armpits, behind ears, or in hair. 

Step 5: Keep Your Yard Less Tick-Friendly 

Trim back shrubs, keep grass short, and create gravel or mulch barriers between wooded areas and your lawn. Ticks hate dry, sunny spots. 

Step 6: Don’t Wait to Call the Pros 

If you’re finding ticks regularly or live near wooded property, call 1st Choice Pest Solutions. We can assess the risk and treat your yard safely. 

Honest Answers to Questions Everyone Asks About Lyme and Ticks 

What ticks carry Lyme disease? 

Mainly the black-legged tick, also called the deer tick. This is the species responsible for most Lyme cases in the Midwest. 

What percentage of ticks carry Lyme disease? 

In Wisconsin, 20 to 40 percent of black-legged ticks are infected, depending on the area and season. 

Do all tick bites lead to Lyme disease? 

No. Only bites from infected black-legged ticks can cause Lyme, and the tick usually has to be attached for 24 hours or more. 

What does a Lyme-carrying tick look like? 

Very small. Nymphs can be as tiny as a poppy seed. Adult females have a dark head and a reddish-brown body. 

Can my dog give me Lyme disease? 

Not directly, but pets can carry infected ticks into your home, where they may bite you or others in the house. 

Tiny Tick, Big Problem 

So, what ticks carry Lyme disease? Black-legged ticks are the ones to watch, and they’re more common than you might think in Wisconsin. Even worse, up to 40 percent of them can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme. 

If you’ve spotted ticks around your home or on your pets, don’t shrug it off. Call 1st Choice Pest Solutions to schedule a yard inspection and stay ahead of the problem. When it comes to Lyme disease, early prevention is your best protection.