LoneStarMapVirginia • High Awareness
Lone Star Ticks in Virginia: Map, Season, Alpha-Gal Awareness & Prevention
Virginia is a well-documented Lone Star tick state and among the highest reported alpha-gal awareness areas in the U.S.
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026 · Educational only — not medical advice.
Risk snapshot
Virginia
Virginia is a well-documented Lone Star tick state and among the highest reported alpha-gal awareness areas in the U.S.
Peak season
April – October
Common habitats
Who should be extra aware
County awareness
- Bedford CountyHigh Awareness
Among the highest suspected-AGS case counts of any U.S. county (CDC, 2017–2022).
- Charlotte CountyHigh Awareness
Among the highest suspected-AGS case rates of any U.S. county (CDC, 2017–2022).
- Henrico County (Richmond area)High Awareness
- Virginia BeachEstablished
- Albemarle CountyEstablished
County awareness levels are educational estimates, not surveillance data. Tick presence varies within every county.
Are Lone Star ticks found in Virginia?
Virginia is within the broader Lone Star tick range. Awareness levels vary by county, and activity is typically highest during april – october. CDC data place Virginia among the highest suspected-AGS prevalence states, including some of the highest county counts and rates nationwide. Take care during outdoor activities.
When is tick season in Virginia?
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Virginia is typically April – October. Plan extra prevention during these months — repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and daily tick checks for kids and pets. In warmer regions, ticks can be active longer.
Can tick bites in Virginia be linked to alpha-gal syndrome?
A Lone Star tick bite has been associated with alpha-gal syndrome — a delayed allergy to mammalian meat — in some individuals. Not every bite causes it, and only a licensed clinician can diagnose it. Learn the symptoms or read the alpha-gal guide.
What to do if you find a tick after being outside in Virginia
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a licensed medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Prevention checklist for Virginia
- 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
Free: The Virginia tick & alpha-gal survival guide
A plain-English PDF you can save on your phone before you head outside in Virginia. One bite can change what you eat for life — know before you go.
- Lone Star vs. deer tick ID chart (with photos)
- The exact tick-removal steps most people get wrong
- Alpha-gal red flags to watch for after a bite
Sources & local resources for Virginia
- Where Ticks LiveCDC
The Lone Star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest U.S.
- Lone Star Tick SurveillanceCDC
County-level established vs. reported records. 'Established' = 6+ ticks or multiple life stages collected in 12 months.
- Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
- Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — U.S., 2017–2022 (MMWR)CDC / MMWR
Highest suspected-AGS prevalence across a contiguous southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic region; most cases align with the established Lone Star tick range.
- Current and Future Distribution of the Lone Star Tick in North AmericaRaghavan et al., PLOS ONE (2019)
Ecological niche modeling of Amblyomma americanum range and projected northward expansion.
- Find the Repellent That Is Right for YouEPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
Share card
Lone Star tick awareness in Virginia
Peak season: April – October
Virginia tick & alpha-gal FAQ
The questions Virginia residents search for most.
Are Lone Star ticks in Virginia?+
Yes — Virginia is within or near the broader Lone Star tick range. Reports vary by county, and activity is generally highest during april – october.
When is tick season in Virginia?+
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Virginia is typically April – October. In warmer parts of the state, ticks can be active longer into the year.
Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite in Virginia?+
Alpha-gal syndrome has been associated with Lone Star tick bites in regions of Virginia. Not every bite causes AGS. If you develop hives, swelling, stomach pain, or other reactions 2–6 hours after eating mammalian meat, talk to a licensed medical professional.
How do I report or identify a tick I found in Virginia?+
Save the tick in a sealed bag with a moist paper towel, take a clear photo, and contact your state health department or a university extension program. Some accept ticks for identification or testing.
What should I do after a tick bite in Virginia?+
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Lone Star tick risk by county in Virginia
133 counties — local risk, peak season, prevention, and live community reports for each.
Related nearby states
Lone Star tick range, peak season, and awareness vary across the U.S.
See all 51 state pages →