Tick safety for forestry and farming work in the Pacific Northwest

July 1, 2026

As summer arrives in the Pacific Northwest, outdoor activities increase for hikers and campers, and outdoors workers.

Photo: "Tick" by John Tann is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This seasonal outdoor activity takes place during peak tick activity (May-July), drastically increasing exposure to ticks—small parasites capable of spreading serious illnesses. While tick-borne diseases are less common in this region compared to other parts of the United States, the risk is still present, especially in wooded and brush-heavy environments where forestry workers operate.

Are Ticks Common in the Pacific Northwest?

Ticks are present throughout the Pacific Northwest’s forested regions and expanding in range. Ticks are generally more common on the drier, inland areas east of the Cascade Mountains, while the western black-legged tick is most abundant west of the Cascades and along the eastern slopes.

Although the overall number of Lyme disease cases in the Pacific Northwest is relatively low, risk varies by location, season, and type of environment. For outdoor workers, exposure remains a workplace hazard that should be actively managed.

Key Takeaways

Forestry and farming workers in the Pacific Northwest face increased exposure to ticks due to their work environments and exposure time
Tick-borne diseases are less common in this region but still present
Prevention is the most effective way to reduce risk
Daily checks and quick removal are critical for avoiding disease

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-feeding parasites commonly found in shaded, moist environments such as forests, tall grass, and brush. These environments are typical of forest worksites and farms in the Pacific Northwest.

Ticks attach to people by climbing onto clothing or skin, then biting and embedding their mouthparts to feed. Because bites are usually painless, ticks can remain attached for hours or even days without being noticed.

What diseases do ticks carry? The most well-known tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Keep in mind that Lyme disease cases are relatively low in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. (And no reported endemic cases in Alaska). Yet the range of Lyme disease and that of the western black-legged tick host is expanding, including Alaska.

Ticks in the Pacific Northwest can also spread other illnesses, including:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Anaplasmosis
Tularemia

Exposure risk for tick-borne diseases increases for outdoor workers due to prolonged time in tick habitats.

Some general early signs & symptoms for most tick-borne disease include:

Fever and chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
Loss of appetite
Rash or swelling at or near the bite site

Later symptoms include:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Vasculitis, organ failure, shock
Anaplasmosis: Renal failure, CNS involvement, blood clotting
Tularemia: Severe weakness, confusion, jaundice, organ damage

Lyme Disease Signs and Symptoms

Early Symptoms (3–30 days after a tick bite)

Fever and chills

Headache
Fatigue
Bullseye rash (a red expanding rash around the bite) - keep in mind this pattern does not occur in 20-30% of cases of Lyme disease.

Later symptoms

Facial palsy (muscle weakness)
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness
Joint pain and swelling

Important: Those who experience these symptoms after a tick bite should seek medical care immediately and report possible tick exposure. Also seek medical evaluation if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic health conditions.