Tick-Talk Time

What horse owners need to know as seasons change

Don't let your guard down as summer winds down—tick season isn't over. In fact, late summer and early fall are peak times for tick activity, as these hardy pests take advantage of warm temperatures and increasingly active wildlife to find their next host. And yes, that includes your horse.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most ticks go through four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. After hatching from the eggs, ticks must eat blood at every stage to survive.

Ticks usually acquire pathogens early in their life (larval or nymphal stages) when they feed on animals. They transmit those pathogens to other animals or people later in life (nymphal or adult stages).

Why ticks thrive in late summer and fall.

Ticks don't die off when summer ends. In many regions, especially those with mild autumns, adult ticks become more active as they seek a final blood meal before mating and winter dormancy. The prime tick habitats are tall grass, wooded areas, and overgrown field edges. These are often the places horses graze or we trail ride through.

How ticks affect horses.

While a single tick bite may not seem like a big deal, ticks can:

●      Transmit diseases like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Equine piroplasmosis (EP)

●      Cause localized skin irritation or infection

●      Lead to discomfort, hair loss, or excessive scratching

And since horses' coats can hide these small pests, ticks often go unnoticed, giving them more time to feed and transmit disease.

Types of ticks

According to an article by Equine Disease Quarterly, published by The Horse, some of the most common equine-associated tick species in the U.S. include:

The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is mainly found in the Southern and Eastern U.S. The Lone Star tick can spread:

●      Types of Ehrlichiosis in dogs and humans, and horses (known as Anaplasma).

●      Heartland virus disease in humans. Dogs and horses can be hosts of the virus.

●      Bourbon virus disease in humans, with no symptoms shown in dogs and horses.

●      Tularemia is a bacterial infection that most commonly affects rabbits and rodents. Humans, horses and other animals can also experience a range of symptoms.

The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is mainly found in U.S. states along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast of Mexico. This tick can spread a form of spotted fever called Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

The Rocky Mountain Wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is found in the Western Rocky Mountain States and Canada. It can transmit Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tularemia to humans, horses, and dogs.

The American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans, horses, and dogs. Adult males and females are active from April to August in most regions.

The Asian Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive species capable of fast population growth and large infestations, which can affect livestock. 

The Blacklegged tick/Deer tick and Western Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). The black-legged or deer tick can pose a significant health risk to horses, as they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. While horses are less susceptible to Lyme disease than humans or dogs, it can still lead to chronic weight loss, lameness, and neurological issues. Anaplasmosis, another tick-borne disease, is more common in horses and can cause fever, limb swelling, and small hemorrhages. The black-legged or deer tick is most prevalent in the Northeast, the upper Midwest, and the Great Lakes region, with the Western Blacklegged tick found mainly along the Pacific coast.

Daily Defense: Tips for Prevention

●      Use a proven repellent: Look for products labeled to repel and kill ticks on horses.

●      Inspect your horse daily, especially around the ears, mane, chest, under the jaw, between the legs, and under the tail.

●      Maintain pastures and turnouts by trimming tall grass and brush where ticks thrive.

●      Keep your dog protected, too—dogs can bring ticks into the barn or trailer.

If you find a tick, here's how to remove it.

1. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull it out steadily—don't twist or jerk.
3. Clean the area with an antiseptic and monitor for swelling or irritation.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Don't let ticks hitch a ride. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and keep your horse comfortable.

Use protection formulated to repel and kill ticks.
When it comes to tick defense, not all sprays are created equal. Learn more about protection from ticks at EndFlyFrustration.com.

As the seasons shift, so should your strategy.
Late summer and early fall bring beautiful rides and cooler days, but also a hidden uptick in tick activity. With daily checks, smart pasture management, and the protection of fly sprays, you can help defend your horse from these persistent pests. Stay one step ahead and enjoy the ride—tick-free.