Image description: A close-up view of a tick embedded in human skin, with a finger indicating the bite site. The surrounding area appears reddened and mildly inflamed, suggesting localized irritation.
Enjoying the outdoors now that the weather is warmer? Don’t forget to protect yourself from ticks! Download Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet for tick season tips and read on for more.
Why is prevention important during tick season?
Tick season brings ample opportunity for ticks to bite or latch to humans, and they may transmit disease. Preventing bites can help you avoid those diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted in April 2026 that weekly emergency department visits for tick bites are at their highest level nationwide since at least 2017.
Data from the Ohio Department of Health shows that Lyme disease is the most common tickborne illness in Ohio. The Buckeye State’s number of reported Lyme disease cases jumped from just 37 in 2010 to 2,830 in 2025.
Alpha-gal syndrome also is a rising concern from tick bites. The syndrome can cause severe allergies to meat, dairy and some medication.
“Early detection of tickborne illness is crucial for avoiding a lifetime of health complications like meningitis, arthritis and heart issues,” says Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director for Hamilton County Public Health.
When is tick season in Hamilton County?
Ticks are found year-round in Ohio, but tick season really kicks off when the temperature consistently stays above 40° F in the spring. Peak tick season in Hamilton County generally runs March-September.
Ticks can be found throughout Hamilton County in forested, brushy or grassy areas – your favorite park, hiking trails, campgrounds, and even your own garden.
What ticks are common in Hamilton County during tick season?
Ohio has a large population of blacklegged ticks, which are responsible for most of the Lyme disease transmission in Ohio, but other species are increasing in number. Lone star ticks and Asian longhorned ticks also have become threats in our region and throughout the state thanks to climate shifts and animal migration.
“The lone star tick actively seeks out a host, which is a concern for people enjoying Hamilton County’s forests and parks. They don’t transmit Lyme disease, but they carry a protein that triggers Alpha-gal syndrome,” says Jeremy Hessel, environmental health director at Hamilton County Public Health. “The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species that goes after cattle instead of humans, causing severe health complications and even death for livestock. And because these ticks can lay up to 2,000 eggs at once, their population just explodes.”
How can you reduce tick bites or tickborne disease risks?
There are a few easy steps everyone should do before, during and after working or playing in the outdoors during tick season.
- Avoid walking through high grasses, brush and leaf litter, where ticks congregate.
- Wear long pants, long sleeves and long socks, tucking items into each other to form a barrier to your skin.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents, following label instructions.
- After outdoor activities, use a mirror to examine your whole body, gear and pets, removing ticks immediately.
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors, washing off any ticks that may remain.
- If you develop Lyme disease symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
For more information about preventing tick bites during tick season, watch this Spectrum News interview with Feagins and Hessel and download Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet.