Ticks are an everyday reality for farmers, especially in spring, summer, and fall when fieldwork and livestock management bring you into close contact with tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are serious health threats, and cases have been increasing in Indiana. Prevention and daily awareness are essential for anyone working outdoors.

Know the Tick Species in Indiana

While Indiana has over a dozen tick species, three are most relevant to farmers:

• American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): Most active from April to July, this species can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

• Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): Found primarily in southern Indiana, active from March through fall. It can carry ehrlichiosis and is linked to Alpha-gal Syndrome, a red meat allergy.

• Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): Also known as the deer tick, it’s active during any warm period year-round and is the main vector for Lyme disease in Indiana. It isn't killed by most winter temperatures even when it feels frigid!

For more information, see the Harrison County Health Department’s Tick Brochure (PDF).

Daily Prevention Practices

Protecting yourself from tick bites starts with a routine:

• Permethrin-treated clothing is one of the most effective defenses. Products like Sawyer’s Permethrin Spray can be applied to boots, pants, shirts, and outerwear. Once dry, the treatment remains effective through several washes.

• Picaridin and DEET-based repellents are also effective when applied to exposed skin. Look for at least 20% concentration for extended protection.

• Essential oil sprays (using oils like cedarwood, geranium, or eucalyptus) may offer some short-term protection, especially for low-risk areas, but they should not be used as your only repellent strategy as they are effective for about an hour.

• Daily tick checks should be a part of your routine—especially after evening chores. Check behind the knees, at the waistband, under the arms, around the ears, and along the scalp. Any work clothes should be thrown right in the washer/dryer, or into the dryer by itself for a hot tumble.

If you find an embedded tick, consider sending it for testing through TickReport.com, a diagnostic lab that can identify the tick and test it for multiple pathogens.

We also recommend having a tick bite kit available in your home, vehicle, and barn. Include fine-tipped tweezers, antiseptic wipes, a small container or sealed bag for saving the tick, and a don't forget to mark on your phone's calendar when incident occurred to track bites. 

Tick Awareness for Livestock

Ticks do not only affect humans. Livestock such as cattle, goats, and horses can become tick hosts, bringing ticks closer to workspaces, gates, and buildings. Regular grooming and parasite checks are a good addition to your management routine, especially for animals on pasture or near wooded areas. Speak with your veterinarian about a tick prevention plan that fits your species and operation.

Some poultry can reduce tick pressure. Chickens, turkeys, and ducks will consume ticks opportunistically, though they may not keep populations under control alone. Guinea fowl are known to be more aggressive tick hunters, but they come with significant drawbacks: they are loud, wander extensively, and tend to roost on rooftops—especially standing seam metal roofs. For farms with neighbors or sensitive buildings, guineas may not be a good fit.

Another option for reducing tick populations around your farmstead is the use of tick tubes. These cardboard tubes are filled with permethrin-treated cotton that mice use for nesting. When ticks feed on the treated mice, they die—interrupting the tick life cycle. A trusted product is Thermacell Tick Control Tubes, which are widely available or can be made as a DIY solution.

Understanding the Health Risks

Tick-borne diseases often begin with subtle, non-specific symptoms—joint pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, or memory issues. The classic “bullseye rash” of Lyme disease only appears in a small percentage of cases. Infections like ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can develop quickly and may become severe if not treated early.

For updated information on symptoms, co-infections, and treatment protocols, go to LymeDisease.org, a well-regarded nonprofit that offers evidence-based resources and patient advocacy.

If you believe you’ve been exposed, speak with a Lyme Literate doctor. For livestock concerns, reach out to your veterinarian to develop a prevention or treatment plan. Don't forget about your pets too!

Final Note and Disclaimer

Farming in Indiana means working in tick territory. With daily prevention habits, routine livestock checks, and access to the right resources, you can reduce the risk of long-term illness for both you and your animals.

This article is not intended as medical or veterinary advice. Please consult your doctor or veterinarian to create a personalized plan based on your health, livestock species, and property conditions.