Ticks are a common concern for Ohio residents, and understanding their activity patterns is important for outdoor safety. Knowing when and where ticks are active helps individuals take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families.
Seasonal Tick Activity in Ohio
Ticks in Ohio are active throughout the entire year. While they can be encountered at any time, peak activity occurs from early spring through mid-summer, and again in the fall. Blacklegged ticks remain active even during mild winter days when temperatures are above freezing.
During spring and early summer, particularly from May to June, nymphal stages of ticks are highly active, coinciding with a peak in human Lyme disease cases. Ticks are commonly found in wooded and brushy areas, as well as in tall grass and leaf litter, which are prevalent habitats across Ohio.
Factors Influencing Tick Presence
Several environmental and behavioral factors influence when and where ticks are most active. Temperature plays a significant role, as ticks become more mobile and seek hosts when temperatures rise above freezing. Humidity is another factor, with ticks preferring moist environments like leaf litter and shaded areas.
Ticks do not jump or fly; instead, they “quest” by climbing onto low vegetation, extending their front legs, and waiting for a host to brush by. The availability of hosts, such as small rodents, deer, and other mammals, directly influences tick populations and their distribution.
Common Tick Species in Ohio
Three tick species are frequently encountered in Ohio and are of public health importance: the American dog tick, the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), and the lone star tick. The American dog tick is widely distributed across Ohio, preferring grassy areas and clearings. It is primarily known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Blacklegged ticks are common in Ohio, especially in eastern and southern counties with wooded habitats. This species is the primary vector for Lyme disease, and can also transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Lone star ticks are aggressive biters found throughout Ohio, particularly in the southern region, favoring woodlands with dense undergrowth. They are associated with ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), and can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites. When spending time outdoors in tick habitats, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tucking pant legs into socks or boots, can help keep ticks off your skin. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on your attire.
Applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients like DEET or picaridin to exposed skin provides protection against ticks. Treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin can offer extended protection, as permethrin remains effective through several washings. After outdoor activities, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and pets, paying close attention to areas like armpits, groin, behind the knees, and hair. Removing ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure is important.