Hawaii Ticks

Are There Ticks in Hawaii?

Ticks are not native to Hawaii and are not commonly found on the Hawaiian Islands.

However, there have been a few cases of ticks being introduced to the islands through the transport of animals, such as pets or livestock, from other parts of the world. In these cases, the ticks are usually limited to the area where the animals are kept and do not establish populations on the islands.

There are no known species of ticks that are native to Hawaii. The tropical climate of the Hawaiian Islands is not conducive to the survival of ticks, which require a temperate climate with a long period of cool temperatures in order to complete their life cycle. As a result, ticks are not generally a concern for residents and visitors to the Hawaiian Islands.

In Hawaii, ticks are most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas, especially at elevations above 3,000 feet. Ticks may be present year-round, but they are most active during the warmer months of the year.

It is important to note that while ticks are not commonly found in Hawaii, there are other types of insects and arthropods that can transmit diseases and cause bites and stings.

It is always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself from insect and arthropod bites when spending time outdoors, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent on exposed skin, and avoiding areas with high concentrations of insects.

Check your clothing and skin for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any ticks you find promptly.

If you are bitten by a tick, remove the tick as soon as possible and wash the bite with soap and water. If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or muscle aches after being bitten by a tick, contact your healthcare provider.