The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) would like your help to further our understanding of tick ecology in Virginia. Our goal is to better understand which ticks are biting humans as well as the spatial distribution of Virginia's tick species of public health concern. Your participation in this survey helps the VDH better understand ticks in the Commonwealth, and helps you know what tick(s) you have encountered!
Please note:
- We do not identify ticks from out of state.
- You must either provide photograph or a tick specimen with your survey for us to identify your tick.
- We do not test submitted ticks for pathogens.
- Please only submit one tick per survey. You may submit multiple ticks through multiple surveys.
- Please see the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page for more information.
If you have questions about the survey please email: va.ticksurvey@vdh.virginia.gov
The survey can be completed on a computer or mobile device. We will ask questions related to where in Virginia you were when you found the tick, where on the body it was, and an email address for us to send the identification.
Submitting tick photos to VDH
Photo quality may impact our identification ability. Make sure to follow the directions below if submitting pictures of your tick(s).
Step 1) Place the tick on a light-colored background and make sure you have good lighting. Clear two-sided tape can be used to secure the tick to keep it in focus.
Step 2) Move your camera or smart phone close to the tick and adjust the focus and so that the picture is not blurry. You may need to back away from the tick and use the digital zoom on your phone or camera to get the best picture possible.
You want to have a large picture of the tick with as much detail as possible (this helps with identification).
Step 3) Take picture #1
Step 4) Flip the tick over so the opposite side is now upwards.
Step 5) Follow Step 2 for taking a picture.
Step 6) Take picture #2
Step 7) Repeat this process for each tick.
Submitting the tick specimen(s) to VDH
To submit tick(s) to VDH, place the tick(s) inside a sealed, zipper locked, bag or leak-proof container. Place the bag or container in an envelope, ideally a protective bubble envelope. There is no need to add alcohol or preservative when submitting the tick. Include a note clearly labeled with your email address and survey submission number (emailed after survey completion). VDH does not cover the cost of shipping, and the tick will not be returned to the submitter after it is received.
Address to:
ATTN: Vectorborne Team
VDH Office of Epidemiology
109 Governor St, 2nd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
FAQ
What is citizen science?
Citizen science involves the public in scientific research. VDH is interested to better understand tick ecology throughout the Commonwealth. Our small entomology team frequently travels to collect ticks by dragging methods. However, we look to expand our knowledge as to which species bite humans - critical information to understand disease risk. We look forward to your involvement and appreciate your participation in these efforts.
How do I remove a tick?
Please visit the Tick Removal page for information on how to safely remove a tick.
Which diseases can ticks transmit and which ticks are common in VA?
Visit the tick identification webpage for information about ticks and tick-borne diseases in Virginia.
Do you test my tick for diseases/pathogens?
At this time, we only provide species identification and do not test ticks that are submitted to us for diseases.
I completed the survey. Now what?
Our vectorborne team reviews online submissions and mailed-in specimens Monday-Friday. We will identify the tick, upload the identification to the survey, and an automatic response will be sent to return this information to you. It is important to note that we do not test submitted ticks for diseases.
Is this survey only available in the summer?
This service is available year-round, and you may submit multiple surveys/ticks. Please only submit one tick per survey.
What happens to the tick(s) that I sent in?
Our team will identify the type of tick from the photos or specimen that was sent in and will notify you within 2-14 days (potentially longer if mailing in specimen) by updating your survey with the ID. Submitted ticks may either be destroyed, retained for internal teaching use by VDH or by one of our local partnering government agencies, or may be used in outreach or educational events. No identifying personal information will be released.
I found a tick on me, but it didn’t bite me. Can I still send it in?
Yes! We will identify ticks found on a person, whether or not they have become embedded (bitten).
I found a tick on my dog/cat/horse. Can I send it in?
Yes! Starting in 2026 we will identify and record tick submissions collected from companion animals (i.e., pets - not commercial livestock). Please note that we will prioritize identifying ticks collected from people first, so there may be additional delays during high-volume parts of the year with returning identifications from ticks collected from an animal.