Are ticks something to worry about? (Tennessee)

[Beatrice24]

Are ticks as big of a problem at the Tennessee Off-Roadeo as they are in the woods in Michigan?

I’m heading there in October and just wondering if we need to worry about ticks.

Thanks!

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[bassist]

It’s probably not as bad as Wisconsin or New England, but probably should dress appropriately, use repellent, and check for ticks afterwards.

 

[Valhalla]

I don't know how they are in your area, we do have them here, deer ticks.

 

[battering ram]

When I go hiking in WI I can get 12+ ticks
You just get used to pulling them off as you hike and doing a good inspection when you get home.

Any where you hike you can find ticks. Just part of being out doors

 

[Valhalla]

I might get 1-2 hiking, most I ever had was 5, I tuck in pants and wear a bandana.

 

[CarGuy]

I use Permethrin and treat my clothes - usually last for approx. 6 washes or 42 days, but check the directions. I also use Picaridin spray on my exposed skin while in the woods. As soon as I’m back I shower, inspect myself and wash the clothes. The last thing you want is to get alpha-gal syndrome from a lone star tick…or any other disease.

 

[kodiakisland]

I use Permethrin and treat my clothes - usually last for approx. 6 washes, but check the directions. I also use Permethrin spray on my exposed skin while in the woods. As soon as I’m back I shower, inspect myself and wash the clothes. The last thing you want is to get alpha-gal syndrome from a lone star tick…or any other disease.

Alpha-gal absolutely sucks and has exploded here in NW Arkansas. I used to not worry about ticks as few diseases are spread in the first 24 hours and almost all can be taken care of by antibiotics, but alpha-gal is a game changer. You aren't getting rid of that and it can have a significant impact on your life. I'm a little paranoid about ticks now. I did get 30-40 seed ticks on me last week but try to avoid the thick brush in the summer.

 

[Imaginary Friend]

You don't want alpha-gal syndrome or Lyme disease, so yes.

A friend had Lyme and it almost killed her.

 

[cfoster]

It’s probably not as bad as Wisconsin or New England, but probably should dress appropriately, use repellent, and check for ticks afterwards.

Tennessee is 12th in the country for ticks. Wisconsin and New England didn’t make the list. They also carry 6 different diseases around here. I’m a land surveyor, so I’m all to aware of ticks in the area!
https://www.wkyt.com/2025/08/10/rep...-states-with-most-ticks-tick-borne-illnesses/

 

[the quietman]

All good advice but having spent alot of my life in the east TN mountains of Appalachia, I've removed seed ticks, spotted ticks and just plain old brown ticks. This new alpha gel whatever is pretty bad but basic precautions and you will be fine. Permethrin is poison and it will keeps ticks at bay but .....its poison....

 

[Koss_co]

Yes, Yes they are at the off-rodeo. Was just there in August 2nd and got a couple. Only 1 stuck on my back, but yanked it pretty quickly. Just stay on the trail and when they get you out of the vehicle to spot, stay out of the brush. Should be good. I went all ape-shit climbing through everything with the spotters.

 

[vrtical]

SInce I live close by, not really even hiking mostly on trails its not an issue, its only an issue if you get into overbrush back country type stuff. The Roadeo facility is pretty clear unless you go off the trails. I have never had any and spend plenty of time in the park.

 

[bassist]

Tennessee is 12th in the country for ticks. Wisconsin and New England didn’t make the list. They also carry 6 different diseases around here. I’m a land surveyor, so I’m all to aware of ticks in the area!
https://www.wkyt.com/2025/08/10/rep...-states-with-most-ticks-tick-borne-illnesses/

WI and New England are major hotspots for Lyme.

 

[half-fast]

https://www.sawyer.com/product/permethrin-fabric-treatment-insect-repellent-24-oz-trigger-spray

I'd be concerned about chiggers.

 

[gjptennis]

Tennessee is 12th in the country for ticks. Wisconsin and New England didn’t make the list. They also carry 6 different diseases around here. I’m a land surveyor, so I’m all to aware of ticks in the area!
https://www.wkyt.com/2025/08/10/rep...-states-with-most-ticks-tick-borne-illnesses/

MA (9), CT (23 and has the town where Lyme disease gets its name), and ME (24) made the list - they are states in New England.

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