Where to submit a found tick for free?

Why Submit a Tick for Testing?

Understanding the Risks of Tick-Borne Diseases

Common Diseases Carried by Ticks

Ticks transmit a limited set of bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents that cause human illness. Recognizing these pathogens helps determine whether a recovered tick should be sent for analysis.

Lyme disease – Borrelia burgdorferi; erythema migrans rash, fever, headache, fatigue.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii; high fever, petechial rash, muscle pain.
Anaplasmosis – Anaplasma phagocytophilum; fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes.
Ehrlichiosis – Ehrlichia chaffeensis; fever, rash, headache, leukopenia.
Babesiosis – Babesia microti; hemolytic anemia, fever, chills, fatigue.
Tick‑borne encephalitis – Flavivirus; flu‑like phase followed by neurological symptoms such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Southern tick‑associated rash illness – Rickettsia parkeri; localized eschar, fever, rash.

Testing a tick for these agents is advisable when the bite occurs in regions where the pathogens are endemic or when the patient exhibits compatible symptoms. Laboratory analysis can identify the presence of specific DNA or antigens, allowing clinicians to confirm infection and initiate targeted therapy promptly.

Geographic patterns influence risk: Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus dominate Lyme disease in the northeastern and western United States; Dermacentor variabilis and Dermacentor andersoni are primary vectors for Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the central and western states; Amblyomma americanum carries Ehrlichia and Southern tick‑associated rash illness in the southeastern United States. Awareness of local tick species guides the decision to submit a specimen for free testing.

Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early identification of a tick that has attached to a person or animal dramatically reduces the likelihood of pathogen transmission. The probability of disease transfer declines sharply after the first 24 hours of attachment; prompt removal and evaluation therefore protect health and limit medical costs.

Free submission programs enable individuals to obtain laboratory confirmation of tick species and potential infectious agents without financial barriers. Access to accurate results guides clinicians in selecting appropriate prophylactic or therapeutic measures, preventing unnecessary treatment and avoiding delayed diagnoses.

Practical steps for utilizing a no‑charge submission service:

Retrieve the tick with tweezers, avoiding crushing the body.
Place the specimen in a sealed container (e.g., a vial with a damp cotton ball).
Record collection details: date, location, host, and attachment duration.
Contact a regional public‑health laboratory, university entomology department, or authorized nonprofit that offers complimentary testing.
Follow the provider’s mailing instructions and include the completed data form.

Timely submission and analysis empower healthcare providers to initiate targeted interventions, such as doxycycline for suspected Lyme disease, before symptoms develop. Early treatment reduces the severity of illness, shortens recovery time, and lowers the risk of long‑term complications.

Free Tick Submission Options

Public Health Agencies

Local Health Departments

Local health departments serve as the official channels for submitting ticks without charge. They receive specimens for species identification, pathogen testing, and public‑health surveillance, and they provide guidance on prevention and treatment.

To find the appropriate office, search the county or city health‑department website, use the state health‑department directory, or call the department’s main line. Websites typically list a dedicated “Tick Submission” page with mailing addresses, drop‑off locations, and contact emails.

When submitting a tick, follow these steps:

Place the tick in a sealed, labeled container (e.g., a small vial or zip‑lock bag).
Include a brief note with the collection date, location (address or GPS coordinates), and any relevant exposure details.
Attach the container to the provided submission form or include the information on a separate sheet.
Deliver the package in person or mail it according to the department’s instructions; most accept standard postal service without additional fees.

Health departments generally offer the following services at no cost:

Species confirmation and life‑stage determination.
Laboratory testing for common tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia).
Personalized advice on tick removal, symptom monitoring, and prophylactic treatment.
Data contribution to regional surveillance programs, which helps authorities track emerging risks.

Many jurisdictions also provide an online portal where submitters can register a specimen, upload a photo, and receive preliminary identification before the physical sample arrives. Check the department’s website for specific forms and turnaround times.

State Health Departments

State health departments operate public‑health laboratories that accept unfunded tick specimens for identification and pathogen testing. Each department maintains a dedicated contact line or online portal for submissions, and the service is provided at no charge to the public.

To submit a discovered tick, follow these steps:

Locate the health department website for your state; the URL typically ends with .gov and includes a “Laboratory Services” or “Vector Surveillance” section.
Review the specimen‑submission guidelines, which outline packaging requirements (e.g., sealed container with a damp paper towel) and any accompanying information (collection date, location, host).
Complete the online request form or email the specified address, attaching a brief description of the tick and the submitter’s contact details.
Mail the packaged tick to the address provided, or arrange a drop‑off at the department’s regional office if the service is available locally.

After receipt, the laboratory conducts morphological identification and, when requested, molecular assays for diseases such as Lyme, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. Results are usually returned within two to four weeks via email or postal mail. Data from submissions contribute to statewide surveillance programs, helping public health officials monitor tick‑borne disease trends.

University and Research Programs

Academic Entomology Departments

University entomology departments routinely receive arthropod specimens for research, teaching, and public‑health monitoring. Most programs accept ticks at no charge, provided the specimen is properly prepared and accompanied by basic collection data.

Contact information is typically listed on departmental websites. Preferred channels include a dedicated specimen‑submission email address, a web form for reporting, or the office of the insect collection curator. When reaching out, include species identification (if known), collection date, location (GPS coordinates or nearest landmark), and the host from which the tick was removed.

Submission procedure

Place the tick in a sealed vial with a small amount of 70 % ethanol.
Label the vial with collection date, locality, and collector name.
Email the department’s submission address, attaching a brief data sheet and a high‑resolution photo of the specimen.
Ship the vial using standard postal service, marking it as “Biological specimen – non‑hazardous.”
Retain the tracking number and confirm receipt with the department after delivery.

Many universities also host outreach programs that coordinate with local health agencies, offering additional guidance on pathogen testing and tick identification. Researchers in these departments can provide feedback on species confirmation and, when relevant, forward results to public‑health authorities.

Citizen Science Initiatives

Citizen science programs provide a practical route for individuals who discover ticks to obtain identification and contribute to public‑health data without cost. These initiatives rely on volunteer submissions, standardized protocols, and centralized databases that inform disease‑risk mapping.

Key platforms that accept free tick samples include:

TickReport – a nonprofit service that processes specimens mailed from any U.S. state, returns species identification, and uploads results to an open‑access database.
iNaturalist – a global observation network where users upload photos of ticks; community experts verify species, and the data become searchable for research.
National Tick Surveillance Program (CDC) – a federal effort that accepts mailed ticks from the public, provides identification at no charge, and incorporates findings into national surveillance reports.
University‑affiliated extension services – many land‑grant universities run extension labs that receive tick submissions free of charge, often linked to state health departments.

Submission guidelines are consistent across programs: place each tick in a clean, dry container, label with collection date and location, and include a brief note on the host organism if known. Shipping costs are typically covered by the participant, while analytical fees remain waived.

Engaging with these citizen science networks enhances personal knowledge of tick species, supplies researchers with valuable distribution data, and supports early detection of emerging tick‑borne pathogens.

Veterinary Clinics and Referral Services

Collaborative Programs with Labs

Collaborative programs between public health agencies and research laboratories provide a channel for the free handling of ticks discovered by citizens. These initiatives operate under agreements that allow non‑professional submitters to send specimens without payment, ensuring rapid identification and contributing to surveillance data.

Participating laboratories typically require the following from submitters:

A live or preserved tick placed in a sealed container with a moist cotton ball.
Basic collection details: location (GPS coordinates or address), date, and host (human, pet, wildlife).
A short electronic form completed on the program’s website or via email.

Once the specimen arrives, the lab conducts species identification, pathogen testing, and records the data in a national database. Results are returned to the submitter by email, often within two weeks, and are also shared with health authorities for risk assessment.

Key advantages of these collaborative schemes include:

No cost to the individual.
Access to expert taxonomic and molecular analysis.
Direct contribution to regional tick‑borne disease monitoring.
Educational feedback that improves public awareness of tick identification and prevention.

To engage with a program, locate the nearest university or state health department that lists “free tick submission” services on its website, register online, and follow the specimen‑packing instructions provided. Continuous participation strengthens the data pool, enabling more accurate mapping of tick distribution and pathogen prevalence.

Limitations and Potential Costs

Submitting a tick you have found often involves restrictions that affect whether the service remains free. Public health departments, university entomology labs, and nonprofit tick‑testing programs typically limit participation to residents of specific states or counties. Some organizations require proof of residency or a valid address, and they may cap the number of specimens per individual each month. When eligibility criteria are not met, the sample is rejected, and the submitter must seek alternative options.

Potential costs arise when free channels are unavailable or exceed their limits. Common charges include:

Shipping fees for sending the tick to a laboratory that does not cover postage.
Laboratory processing fees if the specimen exceeds the free‑testing quota.
Administrative fees for expedited handling or for receiving results outside the standard timeframe.
Costs for obtaining a professional diagnosis if the free service only provides identification without medical advice.

In addition, some programs impose a fee for the disposal of biohazardous material after analysis. Users should verify each provider’s policy before sending specimens to avoid unexpected expenses.

Preparing the Tick for Submission

Safe Removal Techniques

Tools and Methods

Submitting a recovered tick without cost requires reliable collection devices and clear procedural steps.

Standard collection kits, often provided by public health agencies, contain a sealable vial, alcohol swab, and a data sheet. Commercial kits sold by universities or research institutions are identical in design and can be obtained free of charge through online request forms. Digital tools include mobile applications that record geographic coordinates and host images, facilitating accurate identification before submission.

The submission process follows three straightforward actions:

Place the tick in the vial, add a few drops of 70 % ethanol, seal, and label with collection date and location.
Complete the accompanying data sheet or enter details into the designated app, attaching a clear photograph if possible.
Send the sealed vial to the appropriate free‑service laboratory, such as a state health department, university vector‑borne disease center, or a national tick surveillance program, using prepaid mailing labels supplied by the agency or by dropping the package at a designated collection point.

These tools and methods ensure that ticks are handled safely, data are recorded accurately, and the specimens reach diagnostic facilities without incurring fees.

Post-Removal Care

After a tick has been extracted, clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic wipe. Apply a sterile bandage only if the site continues to bleed; otherwise leave it uncovered to air‑dry.

Observe the wound for the next 30 days. Record any of the following within 24 hours: redness expanding beyond the bite, swelling, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or a rash resembling a “bull’s‑eye.” If any symptom appears, seek medical evaluation promptly.

For individuals at higher risk—such as those with compromised immunity, children, or residents of regions where Lyme disease is common—schedule a follow‑up with a health professional within a week, even if no symptoms are evident. The clinician may recommend prophylactic antibiotics based on local disease prevalence and the duration of attachment.

Maintain a log of the tick’s identification details (species, life stage, date of removal) and the location where it was found. This information assists health providers in assessing infection risk and is useful when the specimen is turned over to a public health laboratory or a free tick‑testing service.

Key steps for effective post‑removal care:

Clean the bite with antiseptic.
Do not apply ointments unless prescribed.
Monitor for systemic signs for a month.
Contact a medical professional if symptoms develop.
Provide tick data to the receiving laboratory or testing program.

Proper Storage and Packaging

Containers and Materials

When a tick is collected and you need to send it to a laboratory without charge, the choice of container and supporting materials determines whether the specimen remains viable for identification and pathogen testing.

A suitable container must be leak‑proof, chemically inert, and sized to accommodate the tick without crushing it. Recommended options include:

Small sterile polypropylene or polyethylene vials with screw caps (approximately 2 ml capacity).
Clear glass vials with rubber stoppers, provided they are sealed tightly.
Resealable polyethylene bags, preferably zip‑lock, for temporary storage before transfer to a vial.

Preservative media preserve DNA and prevent degradation. Acceptable media are:

70 % ethanol, placed in a separate compartment or directly filling the vial to submerge the tick.
Isopropanol (≥ 90 %) as an alternative when ethanol is unavailable.
RNAlater® for laboratories that require RNA preservation, though some free‑submission programs may not accept this medium.

Labeling materials are essential for accurate processing. Use:

Waterproof permanent markers to record collection date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host species, and collector’s contact information.
Pre‑printed forms supplied by the receiving agency, filled out legibly.

When selecting a submission destination, prioritize agencies that explicitly state no‑fee acceptance of ticks, such as:

State or provincial public health laboratories.
University entomology departments offering free diagnostic services.
Non‑profit wildlife disease surveillance programs that provide mailing kits.

Before dispatch, verify the recipient’s guidelines regarding container type, preservative, and labeling format. Packaging the sealed container within a rigid mailer protects it during transit and complies with postal regulations for biological specimens.

Labeling Requirements

When a tick is found and the owner wishes to send it to a free diagnostic service, the specimen must be labeled correctly to ensure accurate processing and reporting.

The label attached to the container should contain:

Species identification code, if known, or the term “unknown tick.”
Date of collection in ISO format (YYYY‑MM‑DD).
Precise geographic location: country, state/province, and nearest town or GPS coordinates.
Collector’s contact information: name, email address, and phone number.
Brief description of the host (human, pet, wildlife) and the body site where the tick was attached.

Labels must be legible, waterproof, and placed on the outer surface of the transport vial or envelope. Use a permanent marker or printed label; avoid pencil or ink that can fade.

Failure to meet these requirements can delay analysis, result in specimen rejection, or produce incomplete data that hampers public‑health monitoring.

Adhering to the outlined labeling protocol maximizes the likelihood of a swift, cost‑free evaluation by the receiving laboratory or health department.

What to Expect After Submission

Testing Procedures

Types of Analysis Performed

Free tick drop‑off sites typically perform a limited set of laboratory examinations designed to identify the specimen and assess its potential health risk. The core analyses include:

Species determination through morphological keys or DNA barcoding.
Pathogen detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacteria such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp.; for viruses like Powassan; and for protozoa such as Babesia spp.
Quantitative assessment of pathogen load when PCR yields positive results, providing an estimate of infection intensity.
Antimicrobial‑resistance profiling of cultured bacterial isolates, if growth is observed.

Additional examinations may be offered on a case‑by‑case basis, for example:

Whole‑genome sequencing of the tick to study population structure and migration patterns.
Serological testing of tick extracts for antigens not amenable to PCR.

These analyses enable public‑health agencies to map disease distribution, inform clinical guidance, and support research without charging the submitter.

Turnaround Times

Submitting a tick to a free diagnostic service typically follows a predictable processing schedule. Once the specimen arrives at the receiving laboratory, the standard sequence is:

Receipt confirmation: 1–2 business days after mailing. The lab logs the sample and sends an acknowledgment email.
Initial identification: 3–5 business days. Technicians examine the tick under a microscope to determine species and life stage.
Pathogen testing (if requested): 7–10 business days. Molecular assays such as PCR are performed to detect bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Report issuance: 1–2 business days after testing concludes. Results are delivered electronically to the submitter.

Overall turnaround time ranges from 5 to 14 business days, depending on the complexity of the analysis and the laboratory’s workload. Some state health departments prioritize specimens during peak tick season, potentially reducing the interval by a few days. Laboratories that operate on a first‑come‑first‑served basis may extend the upper limit of the range during high demand periods.

Receiving Results and Next Steps

Interpreting Test Outcomes

When a tick is handed over to a free testing service, the laboratory report is the primary source for health‑related decisions. The report typically classifies the specimen into one of several outcome groups: no pathogen detected, pathogen detected, multiple pathogens detected, or result inconclusive.

A negative result indicates that the tested agents were not present in the sample at the time of analysis. A positive result specifies the identified microorganism(s) and, when applicable, the strain or genotype. An inconclusive result signals insufficient material, contamination, or assay failure, requiring repeat submission.

No pathogen detected: no immediate medical intervention required; monitor for symptoms if the bite occurred recently.
Single pathogen identified: consult a healthcare provider for disease‑specific prophylaxis or treatment guidelines.
Multiple pathogens identified: assess each organism’s risk profile; prioritize medical advice for the most clinically significant agent.
Inconclusive outcome: collect a new specimen, ensuring proper preservation, and submit to the same or an alternative free service.

Interpretation accuracy depends on the time elapsed between tick removal and submission, the preservation method, and the laboratory’s detection limits. Early submission (within 24–48 hours) and storage in a sealed, humid container preserve DNA integrity, reducing false‑negative rates.

The definitive course of action follows the laboratory’s interpretation combined with professional medical counsel. Prompt review of the report, recognition of the specific pathogen(s) involved, and adherence to recommended treatment protocols constitute the responsible response to a free tick testing result.

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

If you discover a tick and need expert evaluation without charge, begin by contacting a medical professional who can direct you to appropriate free‑of‑charge services. Primary care physicians often have protocols for tick identification and can forward specimens to public health laboratories at no expense. When a doctor is unavailable, call the local health department; most agencies maintain a tick testing program that accepts samples free of charge and provides results for disease risk assessment. University or teaching hospitals frequently operate vector‑surveillance units that accept community submissions without fee, especially during peak seasons. In rural areas, community clinics affiliated with regional health networks may also offer this service.

Key actions:

Call your primary care office, ask for “tick identification and testing” and confirm that no payment is required.
Locate the nearest public health department via its website or a quick phone search; request their free submission guidelines.
Search for university veterinary or entomology departments that list “public tick testing” among community outreach programs.
If you lack a personal physician, visit a community health center and explain that you need a tick examined at no cost.

Document the tick’s collection date, location, and any symptoms before the appointment. Provide the specimen in a sealed container with a damp paper towel to keep it alive, unless the lab specifies otherwise. Follow the professional’s instructions for shipping or drop‑off to ensure accurate identification and timely results.