In today’s world of overseas travel and international imports, it seems there’s no end to the invasive species in Georgia. Technically, many of these species are simply considered non-native, like the Joro spiders that have been making headlines for the last few spring seasons. They may not be naturally present within the state’s borders, but they don’t appear to be harming any local wildlife. Others, like the infamous kudzu plant and hammerhead worm, can cause damage to local species that may have long-lasting effects on the environment. One newcomer of invasive species in Georgia that appears to have a negative effect on people, and animals, is the Asian longhorned tick.

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is also called the bush tick, cattle tick, or Asian tick. Like all ticks, these parasitic creatures are arachnids and not insects or bugs.
James Gathany/Wikimedia Commons
Whatever you call them, Asian longhorned ticks have long been considered pests in their native environment of East Central Asia. They're also native to the Pacific islands, like Australia and New Zealand.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
However, the species had not been recognized in the Eastern Hemisphere until 2017. They have since been found in about a dozen east coast states, including Georgia.
NIAID/Flickr

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Like most ticks, the Asian longhorned tick lives upon mammals and birds, and will feed upon humans. They can be spread to new areas when parasitizing birds that fly to different regions.
Egizi AM, Robbins RG, Beati L, Nava S, Evans CR, Occi JL, Fonseca DM/Wikimedia Commons
The Asian longhorned tick is known to transmit diseases to both sheep and cattle. The tick has been shown to be capable of carrying human diseases like Lyme and spotted fever within a laboratory setting.
Desmond W. Helmore/Wikimedia Commons
There have yet to be any documented cases of Asian longhorned ticks in the wild spreading illnesses within the United States. Obviously, you still want to remove ticks from people and pets upon discovery.
Lisa Sammons/Only In Your State
After going outdoors through wooded areas or fields, especially in the spring and summer, make sure to check yourself over carefully. Asian longhorned ticks are more attracted to animals than humans, so always check your dogs and cats, too!

To remove a tick from a person or animal, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as closely to the skin as possible. Pull upwards with an even pressure, then clean the bite with soap and water. Don’t crush a live tick with your hands – instead, put it in alcohol or a sealed bag.

For more information about Asian longhorned ticks in Georgia, check out the Centers for Disease Control website.

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