Tick-Borne vs. Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Tennessee

Ticks and mosquitoes, our familiar fair-weather pests in TN, carry very different bite-related health concerns.

Understanding ticks and mosquitoes and their potential health concerns can help Nashville area residents make the most informed decisions regarding not only personal precautions, but also about professional mosquito and tick control.

Which Illnesses Can Ticks Transmit in Tennessee?

When it comes to ticks in Tennessee, it’s important to know which species pose which risks. Throughout the state, there are six species that are deemed medically important, capable of transmitting illnesses, like ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Of more recent acclaim, we know that tick bites might trigger alpha-gal syndrome, which is an allergy to red meat and other mammalian byproducts.

Of local concern, Davidson and Williamson counties together accounted for more than one-quarter of the state’s cases of ehrlichiosis, the most reported tick-borne illness in 2023. Carriers of this illness are known to be the black-legged tick and the lone star tick (also responsible for Alpha-gal syndrome).

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, spotted fever rickettsiosis has also been quite frequently reported here. Common culprits for this tick-borne illness are the Gulf coast tick, American dog tick, and the brown dog tick.

The key to bacterial tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease and others mentioned above, can be treated with antibiotics, especially when detected early. Symptoms often initially resemble flu, and include fever, fatigue, and head and muscle aches. If you become ill, especially after known tick exposure, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Which Illnesses Can Mosquitoes Transmit in Tennessee?

West Nile virus is one of the best-known locally transmitted mosquito-borne illnesses. What many do not know about WNV, is that most of those infected never develop symptoms. However, about one person in five will experience fever and other symptoms. Approximately one in 150 will develop a serious illness that affects the central nervous system.

La Crosse encephalitis, an illness that is most likely to cause severe disease in children, has also been reported in Tennessee. Other well-known mosquito-borne illnesses reported in our state are malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. However, those illnesses are most commonly associated with international travel – meaning they are not commonly found to be locally transmitted in Tennessee.

Unlike many bacterial tick-borne illnesses, mosquito-borne viruses, like West Nile virus, do not have a specific antibiotic treatment. Therefore, mosquito bite prevention is especially important – for humans, pets, and even livestock.

Is One Type of Bite More Dangerous?

It’s pretty unwise to try to label one type of bite or one type of vector-borne illness as “worse” than the next. It’s smarter to understand that each pest and each illness carry its own potential for negative circumstances. For instance, ticks are widely known to thrive in local conditions and can be attached for days without ever being noticed. Mosquitoes are everywhere here. These nasty offenders bite quickly and leave, which makes a timeline for exposure difficult to nail down.

If you’re looking for a more practical takeaway, it would be that Tennessee residents and visitors should consider taking proper precautions against both mosquito bites and ticks bites. One bite is all it takes for disease transmission. The lower your risk for a bite directly correlates with a lower risk for infection.

Reduce Tick and Mosquito Exposure in Your Nashville Area Yard

Homeowners can act sensibly to help make their property less inviting for mosquitoes and ticks by removing or reducing standing water, keeping grass mowed and leaf litter cleared, and by performing regular yard maintenance. This will reduce breeding sites and hiding spaces for mosquitoes, ticks, and other outdoor pests.

For professional mosquito and tick control, call in the professionals at Mosquito Squad Plus of Nashville. Choose between our seasonal mosquito and tick control solutions, one-time mosquito treatments, mosquito misting systems, and our year-round outdoor pest control plan.

Where Do We Offer Mosquito and Tick Control?

Mosquito Squad Plus of Nashville is pleased to offer mosquito control, tick control, as well as expanded outdoor pest control services throughout these areas in Davidson County, Wilson County, Sumner County, Williamson County, and beyond.

• Murfreesboro Mosquito and Tick Control
• Hendersonville Mosquito and Tick Control
• Brentwood Mosquito and Tick Control
• Gallatin Mosquito and Tick Control
• Juliet Mosquito and Tick Control
• Lebanon Mosquito and Tick Control
• Belle Meade Mosquito and Tick Control
• College Grove Mosquito and Tick Control

Choose Mosquito Squad Plus for mosquito and tick control!

Mosquito Squad Plus treats mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many more outdoor pests throughout the Nashville TN area! Contact us today at (615) 492-3662 or fill out our online form for your complimentary outdoor pest control assessment and treatment quote.

Our pest control packages and related services all come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Also Read: Are Alpha-Gal Ticks in Nashville?