Does Lake Tahoe Have Ticks?

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Yes, Lake Tahoe does have ticks. While the region may not be as heavily infested as other areas in California and Nevada, ticks are present and can transmit diseases such as tick-borne relapsing fever and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Types of Ticks Found in Lake Tahoe

The two main types of ticks found in the Lake Tahoe region are:

  1. Soft Ticks: These ticks are responsible for transmitting tick-borne relapsing fever, a rare bacterial infection. They are typically found in high-altitude areas, particularly in the nests of rodents like squirrels, chipmunks, and mice.

  2. American Dog Tick (Wood Tick): This type of tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and is more commonly found in wooded areas, including the Sierras.

Precautions and Prevention

Does Lake Tahoe Have Ticks

To reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases in the Lake Tahoe area, it’s important to take the following precautions:

  1. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear light-colored clothes, tuck pants into shoes, and use insect repellent to make it easier to spot ticks and reduce the risk of them attaching to your skin.

  2. Check for Ticks: Regularly inspect your body for ticks after spending time outdoors, as they can attach for several hours before transmitting diseases.

  3. Rodent-Proof Buildings: Ensure that buildings, especially rustic cabins, are free from rodents and their nests to prevent tick infestation.

  4. Use Tick Prevention Medication: For pets, use monthly tick prevention medication to protect them from tick-borne diseases.

Diseases Transmitted by Ticks in Lake Tahoe

The two main tick-borne diseases found in the Lake Tahoe region are:

  1. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever: A rare bacterial infection characterized by recurring bouts of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea.

  2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A bacterial infection that can cause headache, fever, muscle ache, and other symptoms if left untreated.

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Statistics and Cases

  • In 2007, there were three reported cases of tick-borne relapsing fever in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
  • In 2021, two cases of tick-borne relapsing fever were reported in individuals who had stayed in cabins at Lake Tahoe.

Additional Information

  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that diseases caused by ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas have tripled in recent years, with over 25,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2016.
  • Local residents and visitors should be aware of the presence of ticks in the region and take necessary precautions to prevent tick-borne illnesses.

References:
1. https://www.kolotv.com/2023/05/05/strong-winter-means-more-ticks-nevada/
2. https://www.2news.com/protecting-yourself-against-ticks-in-northern-nevada/article_98672f5a-488f-506a-8e3e-abb61ec234f8.html
3. https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/tahoe-tick-transmits-rare-disease/
4. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g155987-i338-k9546398-Are_ticks_common_in_mid_June-Lake_Tahoe_California_California.html
5. https://www.sierrasun.com/news/2-cases-of-tick-borne-relapsing-fever-reported-at-tahoe/

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