CHICAGO, IL — As summer approaches, Illinois health and wildlife officials are urging residents to take tick prevention seriously amid a notable rise in tick populations across the state. This year’s warmer-than-usual weather and mild winter have created ideal conditions for ticks to thrive.
Why Ticks Are a Bigger Concern This Year
According to Dr. Becky Smith, Associate Professor of Pathobiology at the University of Illinois, this season poses greater risk than usual:
“We do see the increasing number of ticks across the state — the rise in tick-borne disease,” said Dr. Smith. “We are really concerned about human health, because some of the viruses, we can’t even treat.”
Ticks are now more widespread due to:
- Climate change allowing ticks to survive winters more easily
- Consistent spring rainfall and warmth fueling early seasonal activity
- Increased deer presence near urban and suburban areas, especially in Cook and Will Counties
The Health Threat: More Than Just Lyme Disease
While most people are aware of Lyme disease, Illinois health officials say there are multiple diseases spread by the four main tick species in the state:
- Black-legged (Deer) Tick
- Lone Star Tick
- Gulf Coast Tick
- American Dog Tick
These ticks can carry:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Tick-borne encephalitis (though rare in U.S.)
What Officials Are Doing
The Will County Health Department, through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, conducts six tick drags per year to assess local populations. In 2024, officials collected 47 ticks for testing, many of which were screened for potential pathogens.
Residents can view real-time tick data using the IDPH Surveillance Map and participate in monitoring through resources like:
Protective Tips from Experts
To avoid tick bites:
- Wear long pants and sleeves while hiking or walking in wooded areas
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET
- Tuck pants into socks to block tick access
- Perform body checks after outdoor activities
- Remove ticks with tweezers, pulling gently near the head to extract the full body
“Stick your pants down in your socks,” said forest preserve visitor Rodney Dabe. “Do a body check when you get home.”
Tick Removal: What To Do
If you find a tick:
- Use fine-point tweezers
- Pull gently but firmly near the tick’s mouthparts
- Disinfect the area
- Flush the tick down the toilet
Why It Matters in Illinois
Ticks were once more common in rural, wooded areas, but now sightings have been reported in urban parks, forest preserves, and suburban backyards. Deer sightings in places like Matteson, IL, are common — and these animals are known tick carriers.
Have you experienced tick bites or found ticks in your neighborhood this year? What prevention steps are you taking as the season heats up? Share your story or tips in the comments to help others stay safe.
Sources:
- CBS News Chicago — Weather Warming, Ticks Warning
- The Tick App — tickapp.us
- Illinois Department of Public Health Surveillance Map — IDPH Ticks Map
