If it feels like you’re hearing about ticks more than usual this year, you’re not imagining things.
Across Maryland, residents are reporting increased tick activity, and experts say several factors
are contributing to the boom. Mild winters, wet spring weather, and expanding wildlife
populations have created ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. Whether you’re gardening, hiking,
walking the dog, or simply enjoying your backyard, understanding these tiny pests can help you
protect yourself, your family, and your pets.
Meet Maryland’s Most Common Ticks
Maryland is home to several species of ticks, but a few are responsible for most human and pet
encounters. The Blacklegged Tick, often called the Deer Tick, is perhaps the most well-known
because it can transmit Lyme disease. These ticks are small, especially in their immature
stages, making them difficult to spot.
Another common species is the American Dog Tick. While it does not carry Lyme disease, it can
transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other illnesses. These ticks are larger and often
found in grassy areas and along trails.
The Lone Star Tick has become increasingly common throughout Maryland in recent years.
Recognizable by the single white dot on the female’s back, this aggressive tick actively seeks
out hosts rather than waiting for them to pass by. It has been linked to several illnesses and can
even trigger Alpha-gal Syndrome, a condition that causes allergic reactions to red meat.
Why Are There So Many Ticks This Year?
Tick populations fluctuate from year to year, but several factors have combined to create
particularly favorable conditions this season. Maryland’s relatively mild winter allowed more ticks
to survive than usual. Increased rainfall has also created moist environments that ticks love,
helping them avoid drying out and increasing their survival rates.
At the same time, populations of deer, mice, and other wildlife continue to provide ample hosts
for ticks to feed on and reproduce. As suburban neighborhoods expand into wooded areas,
human-tick encounters become more common, making awareness more important than ever.
How to Make Your Yard Less Tick-Friendly
While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate ticks entirely, you can significantly reduce their presence
around your home. Keeping your lawn mowed short is one of the simplest and most effective
strategies. Ticks prefer tall grass and overgrown vegetation where they can stay cool and
humid.
Removing leaf litter, brush piles, and excess ground cover can also help eliminate tick habitat. If
your property borders wooded areas, consider creating a three-foot barrier of wood chips or
gravel between your lawn and the woods. This creates a drier environment that discourages
ticks from migrating into areas where your family spends time.
It’s also important to discourage wildlife visitors when possible. Securing trash, removing bird
feeders that attract deer and rodents, and installing fencing can help reduce the number of
animals carrying ticks into your yard.
How to Avoid Tick Bites
The best defense against ticks is prevention. When spending time outdoors, especially in
wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and long pants whenever practical. Light-colored
clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
Using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or similar ingredients can
provide additional protection. Some outdoor enthusiasts also treat clothing and gear with
permethrin, which remains effective through multiple washes.
After spending time outside, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and your
pets. Pay special attention to areas such as behind the knees, around the waist, under the
arms, behind the ears, and along the hairline. Many tick-borne diseases require several hours of
attachment before transmission occurs, so finding and removing ticks quickly can greatly reduce
your risk.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Finding a tick attached to your skin can be unsettling, but don’t panic. The most important thing
is to remove it properly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface
as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause
parts of the tick to remain embedded in the skin.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Some
people choose to save the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag in case identification
becomes necessary later.
Over the next few weeks, monitor the bite area and watch for symptoms such as rash, fever,
fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. If any symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider
promptly and mention the tick bite.
What About Pets?
Dogs and outdoor cats are frequent tick targets. Regular tick prevention medications
recommended by your veterinarian remain one of the most effective defenses. After walks or
outdoor playtime, inspect your pets thoroughly, especially around their ears, neck, paws, and
under their collars.
If you find a tick on your pet, remove it carefully using the same technique used for humans.
Monitor your pet for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or changes in
behavior, and contact your veterinarian if concerns arise.
Stay Vigilant and Enjoy the Outdoors
The increase in tick activity doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors all summer. Maryland’s
parks, trails, and backyards are still wonderful places to spend time with family and friends. A
little awareness and prevention can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
By understanding the different types of ticks, reducing tick habitat around your home, taking
precautions outdoors, and knowing what to do if you find one, you can enjoy everything
Maryland has to offer while minimizing your risk.
After all, the only thing you should bring home from a hike is a good memory—not a tick.