Ticks Invade New U.S. Regions, Bringing Lyme and Rare Diseases

Ticks are creeping into new territories across the U.S., and they’re bringing a host of nasty diseases along for the ride. Warmer winters, thanks to shifting climates, are turning once-chilly regions into tick-friendly zones, according to Ben Hottel, an entomologist with Orkin. These pesky critters, once sidelined by cold weather, are now active longer, hitching rides on hosts to invade new areas.

Emerging Threats
At Binghamton University’s Tick-borne Disease Center, experts like professor Yetrib Hathout are sounding alarms. Deer ticks, notorious for spreading Lyme disease, are now active whenever temperatures climb above 39 degrees—meaning longer seasons of risk. Ohio State University’s Buckeye Tick Test Lab reports a jump from one to five concerning tick species over the past 15 years, with diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome, a bizarre red-meat allergy, popping up in unexpected places.

A Growing Menace
The blacklegged tick remains the poster child for Lyme disease, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Meanwhile, the lone star tick, with its alpha-gal payload, and the American dog tick, carrying Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are making their presence felt. Even the Rocky Mountain wood tick is causing trouble in higher elevations. Human expansion into wildlife habitats isn’t helping—ticks are finding us easier than ever, sensing our breath, heat, or even our shadows, as the CDC notes.

Staying Safe
Experts urge vigilance: wear long sleeves, use repellents, and check for ticks after outdoor adventures. Hottel emphasizes awareness as the first line of defense. With ticks ‘questing’ on grass tips, waiting for a host, knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a carefree hike and a serious health scare.