The Black-legged Tick, or deer tick, is the primary vector of Lyme disease in the eastern United States, as well as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Adults are tiny — nymphs the size of a poppy seed — making them easy to overlook. The tick must be attached for 36–48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, so prompt removal after outdoor activity is essential.
Best time to see a Black-legged Tick
The best time to see a Black-legged Tick is February–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,674 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black-legged Tick? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-legged Tick sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black-legged Tick? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black-legged Tick is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.