Lyme-Carrying Tick Found in Montana: What You Need to Know and How to Remove One Safely

For the first time, a blacklegged tick — the primary species responsible for spreading Lyme disease — has been confirmed in Montana. It was removed from a hunting dog in Dawson County. This discovery is a significant development for outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and families across the state. At Montana Pest Solutions, we take your safety seriously. Here’s what this means, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you find a tick on your body.

Black-legged Tick Photo by CDC

What Makes the Blacklegged Tick Different?

Also known as the deer tick, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is much smaller than the more common wood tick found throughout Montana. Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed, and adult females are roughly the size of a sesame seed. Despite their size, these ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

This species has historically been found in the eastern and midwestern United States, but its range is expanding. Warmer winters and more outdoor activity may be helping them move into Montana's forests, trails, and riparian areas. While it’s still unclear whether they can survive long-term in our climate, their presence here should be taken seriously.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

The best approach to Lyme disease is prevention. Ticks are most active from spring through fall, especially in May and June. If you’re spending time outdoors, take these simple steps to stay protected:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to reduce skin exposure. Avoid brushing up against tall grasses or shrubs where ticks typically wait for a host. Always use EPA-approved insect and tick repellents — you can find a full list on the EPA website. After outdoor activity, thoroughly check your body, gear, and pets for ticks. Finally, wash your clothes and dry them on the highest heat setting to kill any ticks that may have latched on.

How to Safely Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, stay calm and act carefully. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible. Pull it out slowly and steadily without twisting. This helps ensure that the tick’s mouthparts don’t break off and remain embedded, which could cause irritation or infection.

After removal, thoroughly clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not crush the tick. If you’d like to have it identified, place it in a hard-sided container and label it. Tick testing for disease is not recommended due to inaccuracies, but species identification can help track tick activity in Montana.

To have a tick identified, you can send it to the Schutter Lab at Montana State University:

Contact:Marni Rolston, Arthropod DiagnosticianPhone: 406-994-6932Email: mrolston@montana.edu

When to Call Your Doctor

Montana Pest Solutions is not a medical provider. However, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. If you develop a red circular rash at the bite site, experience fever, fatigue, or body aches, contact your doctor immediately. Lyme disease is treatable when caught early, and your physician can determine if antibiotics or further testing is necessary.

Montana may be new territory for the blacklegged tick, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay ahead of it. With proper prevention, routine checks, and safe removal practices, you can continue to enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself and your family.

Montana Pest Solutions is here to keep you informed and protected. If you need tick control on your property or want to discuss pest prevention strategies, reach out to our team today.

Stay aware. Stay outdoors. Stay safe.

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