Lone Star ticks in Alaska

Lone Star ticks are rarely reported in Alaska.

Lone Star ticks are not established in Alaska based on available surveillance data.

Peak season: Not found hereOther ticks are most active April to September, CDC says.Source: CDC (opens in a new tab)
What to do: Other tick species live here too, so the same habits apply: repellent outdoors and a tick check when you come in.
Where ticks wait: Wooded areas and shaded trail edges
Tall grass, brush, and overgrown fields
Leaf litter and ground cover
Shaded borders where lawns meet woods
Who should take extra care: Hikers and campers, hunters, pet owners, gardeners and yard workers, golfers, and parents of young children.

If you find one on you

Take it out with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up, and write down the date. The step-by-step guide tells you what to watch for, and for how long.

What to do after a bite Identify the tick

How to avoid bites in Alaska

Use EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks in brushy areas
Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass and leaf litter
Shower within two hours of coming indoors
Do daily tick checks on people and pets during the season

The full prevention guide

Common questions

Are there Lone Star ticks in Alaska?

Rarely, if at all. Lone Star ticks are not established in Alaska based on available surveillance data. Reported Lone Star tick presence in Alaska is limited or absent. Other tick species may occur; general tick precautions still apply outdoors.

When is tick season in Alaska?

There is no Lone Star tick season to speak of, because they are rarely reported in Alaska. CDC says ticks in general are most active from April to September, so that is when prevention matters most.

Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite in Alaska?

In the U.S., alpha-gal syndrome is mostly linked to Lone Star tick bites, and those ticks are rarely found in Alaska. If you get hives, swelling or stomach pain 2 to 6 hours after eating red meat, see a doctor. Mention any tick bites, even ones from a trip.

What should I do after a tick bite in Alaska?

Take the tick out with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up. Wash the bite, keep the tick or a photo of it, and write down the date. Watch for symptoms for the next few weeks. See a doctor if you get a rash, a fever, feel very tired, or react to food.

How do I get a tick identified in Alaska?

Seal the tick in a bag with a damp paper towel and take a clear photo. Your state health department or a university extension program may be able to name it or test it.

Where this comes from7 sources · Last reviewed June 2, 2026Show

1.
Where Ticks Live (opens in a new tab) · CDC
The Lone Star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest U.S.
2.
Lone Star Tick Surveillance (opens in a new tab) · CDC
County-level established vs. reported records. 'Established' = 6+ ticks or multiple life stages collected in 12 months.
3.
Alpha-gal Syndrome (opens in a new tab) · CDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
4.
Preventing Tick Bites (opens in a new tab) · CDC
5.
Find the Repellent That Is Right for You (opens in a new tab) · EPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
6.
State & Local Health Departments (opens in a new tab) · Directory
Find your state or local health department for region-specific guidance.
7.
Lone Star Tick Surveillance Map Data, 2025 (county status) (opens in a new tab) · CDC
Every county's status: Established (6 or more ticks, or more than one life stage, found in a year), Reported (fewer), or No records. Linked from CDC's Lone Star Tick Surveillance page.

Educational information only, not medical advice. If someone is struggling to breathe or having a severe reaction, call 911. Read the disclaimer.

Printed from lonestarmap.com/states/alaska. Check the page for the latest version.