Deer Ticks and Bull’s-Eye Bites: What You Need To Know

Spring’s warmer days draw many outdoors, but they also usher in tick season, a time when deer ticks become more active in wooded, brushy and grassy environments.

While most outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with the importance of tick checks, understanding exactly how to spot a deer tick (also known as blacklegged tick), recognize early signs of Lyme disease and its distinctive bull’s-eye rash, and know when to seek care can make all the difference between a minor scare and a serious health issue.

Mild winter and favorable spring conditions set the stage for a robust tick population, especially deer ticks, the primary carriers of Lyme disease in the northeastern United States, including South Jersey. “These ticks are less than one-eighth of an inch long, about the size of a sesame seed, making them easy to miss on clothing or skin,” said Craig Bober, D.O., a physician with Inspira Medical Group Primary Care. “The longer a tick remains attached, the higher the risk of transmitting bacteria, so daily full-body checks after outdoor activities are essential.”

Identifying a deer tick and the bull’s-eye rash

Deer ticks progress through larval, nymph and adult stages. The nymphs, tiny and hard to spot, often pose the greatest risk in early Lyme disease. If you find a tick attached, note its size, shape and color: Adult deer ticks are dark brown with black legs, while nymphs are pale to reddish brown. Also, watch for a spreading rash called erythema migrans, which appears in about 70–80 percent of Lyme cases and typically emerges three to 30 days after the bite. This rash often:
 

• Starts as a small red spot at the bite site
• Feels warm but is rarely itchy or painful
• Expands gradually over several days, sometimes reaching up to 12 inches across
• Clears in the center, forming a bull’s-eye target appearance, but not always in a perfect ring

Because erythema migrans can vary in shape and color, any expanding rash following a known tick bite warrants medical evaluation.

Removing ticks safely

Prompt removal of an attached deer tick is key to reducing infection risk. Here’s how:

1. Use fine-tip tweezers: Grip the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible

2. Pull upward steadily: Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded

3. Clean the area: Wash with soap and water or apply an antiseptic

4. Dispose of the tick: Flush it, place it in alcohol or seal it in a bag and never crush it with your bare fingers

“If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms within 30 days of a known tick bite, contact your primary care provider immediately,” said Dr. Bober. “Early antibiotic treatment can prevent complications such as joint pain, neurological issues and cardiac inflammation.” 

Recognizing other tick-borne illnesses

“While Lyme disease is the most common concern, deer ticks can also transmit infections like anaplasmosis and babesiosis, both of which may cause fever, headache, chills and muscle aches without the bull’s-eye rash,” said Dr. Bober. Because symptoms for these illnesses often overlap with Lyme disease, your doctor may recommend blood tests to guide appropriate treatment.

Prevention tips for outdoor adventures

Before you head outdoors, take simple steps to keep ticks at bay. Dress in long pants tucked into your socks, long‐sleeved shirts and a hat to create a barrier between your skin and any crawling ticks. Consider treating your clothing, boots and camping gear with permethrin or choosing pre‐treated items for added protection.

“Apply an EPA‐registered repellent containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 to exposed skin,” said Dr. Bober. “When you return inside, perform a thorough full‐body check and shower within two hours to wash away any unattached ticks.” Remember to inspect pets, backpacks and gear before bringing them into the house; ticks hitchhike easily, and catching them early is key to staying safe all season long.

Staying vigilant in tick-prone areas ensures you can enjoy hiking, gardening and picnics with greater peace of mind. If ever in doubt about a tick bite or rash, your primary care provider is your best ally in diagnosis and early treatment, so you can stay safe and healthy throughout tick season.