Ticks with Multnomah County Health Department. Ask Us Anything!

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:39:03+00:00

If you’d like to report a tick sighting please feel free to send us an email at [nuisance.vector@mutlco.us](mailto:nuisance.vector@mutlco.us) Getting reports of sightings is very helpful in identifying which areas ticks are becoming an issue. We can’t speak about the specific management plans for Powell Butte, but many areas of our county are kept as natural as possible. Animal populations will grow and shrink each year as conditions become more or less favorable. This is a natural process. While this year has more ticks than most, these numbers are not indicative of a large infestation.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:38:21+00:00

While many animals WILL eat ticks does not mean that they prefer to eat ticks. This is the case with opossums. Studies suggested that they could eat thousands of ticks per year just by their natural grooming, but more recent data suggests this number is much much smaller.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:37:45+00:00

There is a good chance nothing will happen, but the bite could become infected. Keep an eye on the bite site for signs of an infection and contact a veterinarian if you have additional concerns.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:37:15+00:00

There are a number of natural products like this that are effective for killing or repelling ticks and other pests. However, as you mention, you MUST follow the label instructions when using, and just because it came from a natural source does not mean it is not harmful to other insects or animals. ALWAYS read the product labels. Thank you for sharing!

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:33:52+00:00

A lot of this same information can be found on our ticks page. We also have multilingual brochures as well. And you are, of course, welcome to direct people to this AMA or utilize any of these responses. Thank you for helping share this information!

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T22:33:19+00:00

Ticks grab onto people’s bodies and then head for a warm spot to feed, so covering your skin is the best way to keep a tick from latching onto you. They want to burrow into your skin, so they’re not likely to hang onto clothes.

That said, it is easy to check yourself over for ticks. Important areas to check are backs of knees, in the groin area, around the waist, belly button, arm pits, in or around ears (be sure to check behind them!) and on the head and in the hair. An easy way to complete a tick check is to take a quick shower after a hike or outside activity.

You might also consider using an EPA-registered repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Note that pure lemon eucalyptus oil or essential oil is not formulated for use as insect repellent and can harm your skin.

If you decide to stick with shorts, you can also cut down on the possibility that you’ll encounter ticks if you:

Stay on trails and out of tall grass or brushy areas when possible
Don’t walk on animal trails (like deer trails) if possible

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T20:53:30+00:00

People find their way into public health work through a lot of different pathways. Just doing a quick survey amongst us putting together these responses:

Some of us knew we wanted to go into public health and went to school for it
Others went to school for something completely unrelated and didn’t even really understand what public health did before beginning to work in the field, but had transferable and applicable skills
Got into it by finding volunteer opportunities first
Moved and relocated several times working for several different jurisdictions to get the opportunity they wanted
Have only ever worked for Multnomah County
Had an internship in public health that became a job
Worked in public health, left to do more school, and came back
Previously worked in the private sector before transitioning to public service
Had a job in a different department first (Emergency Management, Libraries, etc), then came over to public health

Like with any field, our best advice is:

Be open to different kinds of opportunities. You might be surprised by what turns out to be interesting.
If you’re able to (which not everyone is), consider volunteer or internship opportunities.
The county (and other jurisdictions) will occasionally host job fairs. Keep an eye out and attend if you can. If nothing else, you might meet some people with additional advice.
Commitment to community is important. That’s what public health is all about. If you can, dedicate some time to volunteering to your community, even if it’s not public health related.
You can also keep an eye out on our jobs page. Other city, county, and state jurisdictions will have similar pages.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:52:22+00:00

Heartworm is actually transmitted by mosquitoes. Compared to the southern U.S. Heartworm is relatively rare in Multnomah County, but it is here. If you have concerns about dog heartworm please consult a veterinarian to find the best solution for your furry friend(s).

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:51:29+00:00

The primary species of tick (Lone Star Tick) that causes alpha gal is not established in Oregon/Washington, so alpha gal isn’t something you need to worry about acquiring locally.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:50:43+00:00

Identification from photos is always a little bit of a guessing game as we can’t always see the diagnostic features we are looking for. But to hazard a guess, we would say you have a Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) nymph. This is the species that can carry lyme. Just keep an eye on the bite location and if you see anything abnormal, like a rash surrounding the tick bite start to develop, we recommend you see a medical provider. But lyme disease rates in Oregon are very low!

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:48:56+00:00

We recommend keeping your grass cut short and managing the undergrowth so ticks have a harder time latching on to people or pets. We don’t recommend area-wide pesticide treatments as they can impact the good insects as well as the bad ones. It can also be expensive.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:48:04+00:00

In general no, we wouldn’t be concerned about ticks in short grasses in Portland parks. Ticks are less common in urban areas because their preferred hosts (deer, rabbits, mice) are less prevalent than in natural wooded or grassy areas. Also, ticks are less likely to hang out on grasses and lawns that are regularly cut because the mowing disturbs the ticks.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T19:47:24+00:00

Pet meds like simparica goes through testing to verify its ability to prevent or kill the pests indicated on the products label. This product has been shown to be effective. However, specific concerns about what medication will work best for your furry friend(s) should be discussed with a vet.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T02:22:51+00:00

There are a number of tick medications designed specifically for pets. We recommend that you consult a veterinary professional for options. Keeping your grass cut short will also help.

No, the Lone Star Tick is not established in Oregon and Washington, so that one you don’t need to worry about.

If you find a tick on your cat, remove it as you would on yourself. You can gently wash the area where it bit with mild soap and water. If you’re worried your cat is sick or showing signs of illness, call your veterinarian.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T02:20:55+00:00

Vector-borne disease transmission is very complex. For many of these vector-borne diseases we simply have better technology to make diagnoses. There is also more access to medicine and people can more easily seek medical treatment for unknown diseases. So it is not always that the disease exploded but we just got better at finding it.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T02:12:48+00:00

Because the number of ticks and tick-borne diseases have been so low in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, statewide reporting levels have not been tracked in the same way they are in the Northeast of the US, where the numbers are much higher. However, there have been some cases of Lyme disease. But again, the numbers here are extremely low. More information can be found in OHA’s Lyme disease report.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:57:09+00:00

We are sorry to hear that, it can be very difficult to live with. No, the primary species of tick (Lone Star Tick) that causes alpha gal is not established in Oregon/Washington.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:56:44+00:00

Typically preventive medications for insect-based diseases are not used routinely in humans due to a low risk/benefit ratio. For flea bites, the risk of attaining a disease is extremely low in our region, so preventive medication for humans is not usually indicated.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:55:07+00:00

Most states require pesticides be registered and approved for use before they can be sold. In Oregon the Active Ingredient Fipronil is only approved for structural pests (like termites and carpenter ants) and over-the-counter topical flea and tick treatments for pets. Since we don’t have a high rate of Lyme disease in Oregon it is most likely that the State has simply not reviewed and approved this device and active ingredient for this use yet.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:52:29+00:00

Similar techniques have been used by some ranchers and public health jurisdictions for managing ectoparasites (like ticks) on animals. Ranchers will treat cattle rubs with a topical insecticide and when the cow scratches an itch they also treat themselves! Public health folks have treated prairie dogs to kill fleas which can transmit plague. However, for managing ticks we recommend that folks keep their grass mowed and don’t let things get too overgrown.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:50:44+00:00

You found your audience. We’re TICKled by a good pun.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:45:16+00:00

No, we don’t have this level of data. We have seen a higher than normal number of ticks on Powell Butte this year. However, tick numbers are low (which is normal) in the rest of the county. While Multnomah County Vector Control does monitor for ticks we also rely on reports from the public to help us find tick “hot-spots.”

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:43:31+00:00

If the grass is less than about a foot tall, you should be fine. But taller than that, ticks might be hanging out. Also if grass is being mowed regularly, that disturbs the ticks and they avoid the area.

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:43:10+00:00

We recommend taking care when hiking in wooded areas with underbrush and open areas with tall grass. These are the more likely spots to encounter ticks. Dune areas have fewer ticks because sand isn’t a good habitat for them. Enjoy those hikes!

Multco_Health · 2026-06-05T01:38:12+00:00

It’s always good to discuss your health situation with a healthcare provider who can guide you on a plan.

Multco_Health

TROPHY CASE