Adrian Berlutti
A dangerous new tick is making its way across the U.S., and experts are sounding the alarm. Even though the risks are real, most Americans still don’t know enough. If you live in the country or suburbs, this matters. Here are 10 real concerns you need to know before it spreads even further. Read on to protect yourself and those around you.
Carries The Deadly SFTS Virus
This tick can transmit Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, a virus that kills up to 12% to 15% of infected people. Bites are primarily how they are transmitted, and there’s no available vaccine or specific treatment. First identified in Asia, it appeared in the U.S. in 2017 and continues to spread.
Reproduces Without Mating
Unlike most ticks, this species doesn’t need a partner to reproduce. A single female lays up to 2000 eggs on her own, and while populations grow fast, it often goes unnoticed. This rare ability, called parthenogenesis, makes containment difficult and gives this tick a massive advantage over native species.
Attacks Livestock And Threatens Agriculture
Infestations lead to blood loss, weight reduction, and even death in cattle. U.S. farms are at risk, especially after similar outbreaks caused major losses abroad. Ticks gather in overwhelming numbers, which puts massive stress on herds and threatens the stability of the food supply chain.
Tolerates Cold And Expands In Cooler States
This species isn’t stopped by winter. It’s been found in cold-weather states like New York and Pennsylvania. Unlike typical ticks, it survives freezing temperatures. That allows it to stay active year-round and expand into regions that were once considered too cold for tick activity.
Can Drain Blood From Hosts In Large Numbers
In some cases, over 1,000 ticks have been found feeding on one animal. Small mammals like calves may die from blood loss. These ticks return to feed repeatedly, weakening the immune system. Mass infestations have been documented, especially on farms and in rural environments.
Already Established In Five States And Growing
This species is confirmed to have now spread to 22 states, including initial detections in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ticks have been removed from people, pets, and wildlife. CDC believes it’s more widespread than currently reported due to underreporting and slow detection in new areas.
Hard To Detect Due To Small Size And Silent Bite
The tick is tiny—smaller than a sesame seed in its nymph stage, and its bite causes no itch, pain, or redness. Victims often don’t notice until symptoms appear. Because they’re nearly invisible, infestations go undetected until they become widespread or are discovered during health checks.
Threatens Wildlife And Ecosystem Balance
Wild animals like deer, raccoons, and birds host this tick. Heavy infestations weaken their bodies and disrupt normal behavior. As wildlife moves through forests and rural areas, they carry ticks with them. This spreads the threat further and destabilizes already fragile local ecosystems.
Capable Of Infesting Homes And Barns
Once inside a barn or home, these ticks can lay eggs in cracks and bedding. Survivors have been found indoors, even in winter. Regular insect sprays may not work, and infestations often require professional removal. Rural homes and farms face the highest infestation risks.
Bites Humans And Pets Alike
This tick feeds on dogs, cats, and people. It has the potential to carry disease across species, and pets often bring it indoors without showing symptoms. Vets urge pet owners to perform regular checks, mostly after time spent in grassy or wooded areas.
