The Lone Star Tick in Kentucky

The lone star tick (Fig. 1) is an important nuisance pest across Kentucky and can be a vector of some diseases. Its most common hosts are wild mammals and ground-nesting birds but these aggressive ticks readily feed on humans and companion animals.

Lone star ticks are active from March through September (Fig 2). Each of its three active stages (larva, nymph, and adult) requires a blood meal.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Lee Townsend.

UK Department of Entomology: The Lone Star Tick in Kentucky

The Lone Star Tick in Kentucky

The lone star tick (Fig. 1) is an important nuisance pest across Kentucky and can be a vector of some diseases. Its most common hosts are wild mammals and ground-nesting birds but these aggressive ticks readily feed on humans and companion animals.

Lone star ticks are active from March through September (Fig 2). Each of its three active stages (larva, nymph, and adult) requires a blood meal.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Lee Townsend.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Professor
Lee Townsend
Lee Townsend is a profess of Emeritus at the University of Kentucky.
Media Mentions

UK Department of Entomology: The Lone Star Tick in Kentucky

The Lone Star Tick in Kentucky

The lone star tick (Fig. 1) is an important nuisance pest across Kentucky and can be a vector of some diseases. Its most common hosts are wild mammals and ground-nesting birds but these aggressive ticks readily feed on humans and companion animals.

Lone star ticks are active from March through September (Fig 2). Each of its three active stages (larva, nymph, and adult) requires a blood meal.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Lee Townsend.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Professor
Lee Townsend
Lee Townsend is a profess of Emeritus at the University of Kentucky.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer
March 23, 2026
6 Min
Independent: 6 Best Bug Sprays For 2026, Tried And Tested
Read More