Ticks are no longer a niche outdoor concern. Over the last decade, tick populations have expanded rapidly across the United States, moving into new regions and staying active longer each year. Whether you are gardening, hiking, traveling, or just spending time outside with family, understanding where ticks are widespread can help you stay protected. Below is a regional breakdown of common tick hot spots and what to watch for this season.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
States like Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey continue to report some of the highest tick activity in the country. This region is especially known for deer ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.
Ticks here thrive in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and suburban yards that border natural spaces. Spring through early fall is peak season, though mild winters have extended activity well beyond traditional timelines.
Upper Midwest
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and parts of Illinois are major tick hot spots, particularly for blacklegged ticks. These areas combine ideal humidity, dense vegetation, and abundant wildlife.
Many people encounter ticks while gardening, walking trails, camping, or spending time near lakes and cabins. Even short outings can result in bringing one home with you.
Southeast
The Southeast has a high diversity of ticks, including lone star ticks and American dog ticks. States like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and the Carolinas see heavy tick activity in both rural and suburban environments.
Ticks in this region are often active earlier in the year and can remain active well into fall due to warm temperatures. Backyard exposure is especially common.
South Central and Plains States
Tick populations have surged across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and surrounding states. Expanding deer populations and changing climate patterns have made ticks more common in places where they were once considered rare.
Tall grass, fields, parks, and even well-maintained yards can harbor ticks, making protection important for even everyday outdoor activities.
Pacific Coast
Tick activity is more localized in the West, but Northern California, Oregon, and Washington still report significant populations, particularly in wooded and coastal grassy areas. Ticks are often found during hikes, camping trips, and outdoor recreation in natural spaces, especially during spring and early summer.
Why Are Ticks Spreading?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick-borne diseases are increasing due to a combination of climate change, expanding wildlife habitats, and longer warm seasons. Ticks are adapting quickly, and their range continues to grow.
Tick awareness is no longer regional. It is national.
Protection That Fits Everyday Real Life
Traditional tick prevention often relies on chemical sprays that need constant reapplication and can be uncomfortable or irritating to skin. Here at Mozzie Style, we believe protection should be wearable, breathable, and easy to use.
Our tick-blocking clothing creates a physical barrier between you and ticks, without added insecticides. Whether you are gardening, traveling, or spending time outdoors with family, it is protection you can trust and wear comfortably.
Stay Aware. Stay Covered.
Knowing your regional tick risk is the first step. Choosing protection that fits into your everyday life is the next. As tick populations continue to expand, being proactive helps you enjoy the outdoors with confidence instead of concern.
Want to see tick-borne disease data by region?
The CDC publishes up-to-date maps showing reported cases across the U.S.
View the CDC’s geographic distribution data
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