Tick Season In 2025: The 7 Cities With Growing Tick Populations This Season

As spring and summer approach in 2025, tick populations are surging across the United States, driven by climate change, warmer winters, and increased host animal populations.

Ticks, notorious for spreading diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, pose a growing health risk.

This article highlights seven U.S. cities expected to face heightened tick activity this season, based on recent data, and provides actionable tips to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. Walk with me now!

 

Why are Tick Populations Surging in 2025?

Several environmental and ecological factors are fueling the 2025 tick explosion:

• Climate Change: Warmer winters and extended warm seasons allow ticks to survive and emerge earlier, with activity possible whenever temperatures exceed 39°F.
• Bumper Crop of Host Animals: A 2023 acorn surplus boosted populations of deer, mice, and squirrels, key tick hosts, leading to more ticks seeking human hosts in 2025.
• Urban Expansion: Fragmented habitats from urban development reduce natural predators, allowing tick-carrying animals to thrive closer to human populations.

These conditions create a perfect storm, especially in certain cities where ticks are thriving in urban parks, suburban yards, and wooded areas.

 

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What are the 7 Cities Facing increased Tick Populations in 2025?

Below are seven U.S. cities flagged for significant tick activity this season, based on reports from pest control organizations, health departments, and tick surveillance programs.

1. New York City, NY

• Why It is a Hotspot: New York City is experiencing its worst tick season in years, with over 3,300 Lyme disease cases reported in 2024 and a 217% increase in tick submissions to labs in early 2025. Staten Island remains the most tick-infested borough, but parks like Alley Pond in Queens and areas in the North Bronx are seeing rapid tick expansion.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) carry Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis; American dog ticks and lone star ticks are also prevalent.
• Risk Areas: Green spaces, parks, and suburban yards, especially in Staten Island and the northern boroughs.

2. Cleveland, OH

• Why It is a Hotspot: Soggy, mild winters and expected spring rainfall create ideal conditions for ticks. Ohio has seen a 700% surge in Lyme disease cases from 2007 to 2018, and Cleveland’s wooded parks are prime tick habitats.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks and American dog ticks dominate, with lone star ticks emerging.
• Risk Areas: Metroparks, suburban lawns, and brushy areas near Lake Erie.

3. Washington, DC

• Why It is a Hotspot: A rollercoaster winter with warm spells and heavy snowfall has set the stage for a tick surge. Nearby Maryland reported doubled tick-borne illnesses from 2004 to 2016, and DC’s mild spring extends tick activity.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis; lone star ticks are also present.
• Risk Areas: Rock Creek Park, urban green spaces, and areas near the Potomac River.

4. Boston, MA

• Why It is a Hotspot: New England’s warming climate has expanded deer tick ranges into urban areas like Boston. Lyme disease is endemic, and cases of babesiosis and anaplasmosis are rising, with ticks active even in mild winter months.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks are the primary concern, with 34.8% of tested ticks carrying Lyme disease pathogens in early 2025.
• Risk Areas: Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and suburban backyards.

5. Philadelphia, PA

• Why It is a Hotspot: Pennsylvania ranks among the top states for tick populations in 2025, with urban parks and suburban areas seeing increased activity. Warmer winters and abundant deer populations drive the surge.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks are spreading northward.
• Risk Areas: Fairmount Park, Wissahickon Valley Park, and wooded residential areas.

6. San Antonio, TX

• Why It is a Hotspot: While Texas is a low-incidence state for Lyme disease, tick activity peaks in spring and summer. San Antonio’s warm climate and expected spring rainfall boost populations of multiple tick species.
• Key Ticks: Lone star ticks (linked to alpha-gal syndrome) and American dog ticks are common.
• Risk Areas: Brackenridge Park, rural outskirts, and grassy yards.

7. Minneapolis, MN

• Why It is a Hotspot: The Upper Midwest is a growing tick zone, with Minnesota seeing increased deer tick activity due to milder winters. Citizen science programs report rising Babesia and Anaplasma-positive ticks.
• Key Ticks: Deer ticks, with 32.9% carrying Lyme disease pathogens in recent tests.
• Risk Areas: Mississippi River trails, Lake Harriet, and suburban green spaces.

 

How to Protect Yourself During Tick Season in 2025

With tick populations surging, prevention is critical. Follow these expert-recommended tips to stay safe:

• Wear Protective Clothing: Use light-colored long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes in wooded or grassy areas. Apply EPA-approved repellents like DEET or permethrin to skin and clothing.
• Perform Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, check your body, children, and pets for ticks, focusing on armpits, scalp, and groin. Shower within two hours and dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
• Yard Maintenance: Keep grass mowed, remove leaf litter, and create a tick-safe zone by clearing brush and using wood chips around play areas. Consider EPA-approved tick insecticides for high-risk yards.
• Pet Protection: Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives for dogs and cats, as they can bring ticks indoors.
• Safe Tick Removal: If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out without twisting. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Contact a doctor if an engorged deer tick has been attached for over 36 hours, especially in high-risk areas.

 

What are the Health Risks of Tick-Borne Diseases?

Ticks carry more than just Lyme disease. Here is a quick overview:

• Lyme Disease: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain. Untreated, it can lead to severe neurological issues.
• Babesiosis: A parasitic infection causing flu-like symptoms, more severe in immunocompromised individuals.
• Anaplasmosis: Bacterial infection with fever and headaches; early treatment is critical.
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Linked to lone star ticks, this can cause red meat allergies.
• Other Diseases: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia are also risks, depending on the region.

If you experience symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment improves outcomes.

 

Read also: Pest Control Rates: Compare And Choose Wisely

 

Conclusion

The tick season in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the worst on record, with cities like New York City, Cleveland, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Minneapolis facing significant tick surges.

By understanding the risks in these high-activity areas and taking preventive measures, you can safely enjoy outdoor activities.

Stay vigilant, check for ticks regularly, and maintain your yard to reduce exposure. For more pest control tips and updates, visit pestclue.com to stay informed and protected.

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