Cities and states with the most ticks in the U.S.

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, nothing can ruin your day quite like a tick bite. These tiny critters may be small, but even just one can pack quite a punch and transmit diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Higher tick populations in your area can increase your risk of exposure to these diseases, so knowing the states with the most ticks helps you know when to take extra precautions.

 

top-tick-states 

States with the worst tick problems

Terminix has identified the top 25 states with the most ticks in 2024, based on the number of tick control services utilized by residents. California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York are at the top of this list due to their warm climates, high humidity, and abundance of green spaces. Overall, the Northeastern region of the United States generally experiences the highest populations of ticks, with common species including the black-legged tick and the American dog tick.

The increasing tick populations are a serious concern, and we spoke with Tom Dobrinska, a Technical Service Manager at Terminix, for his expert perspective. He explained, “Climate change continues to increase tick populations. As winters become more mild, and warm seasons increase in length, tick survival increases significantly.” To help you identify potential hotspots, here are the top 25 worst states for ticks, ranked by the number of services performed:

 

  1. California

  2. Florida

  3. Texas

  4. Pennsylvania

  5. New York

  6. Georgia

  7. New Jersey

  8. Arizona

  9. Massachusetts

  10. Ohio

  11. Virginia

  12. Tennessee

  13. Maryland

  14. Michigan

  15. Kentucky

  16. Oklahoma

  17. Illinois

  18. Indiana

  19. Alabama

  20. Louisiana

  21. Mississippi

  22. Missouri

  23. Connecticut

  24. Maine

  25. West Virginia

Cities with the most ticks

Now that we have looked at the states with the most ticks, let’s look at places with the most ticks when it comes to cities. According to our data, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., are the top five tick-infested cities in the United States. These areas have the right mix of warm weather, humidity, and plenty of green spaces like parks and gardens, making them extra attractive for ticks. You're most likely to encounter black-legged and American dog ticks in these cities.

States with the most cases of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

When we look at the big picture of tick-borne illnesses, it's clear some areas have a bigger problem. However, not all ticks carry the disease-causing pathogens; disease risk can vary by tick species. Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and other states in the Northeast and parts of the Upper Midwest are often identified as the worst places for ticks in the U.S. due to their high rates of Lyme disease cases. Southeast and Southcentral U.S. might see more cases of ehrlichiosis or spotted fever rickettsiosis.

When we look at a tick bite, it's important to know the risks involved. Scientists and public health experts are constantly researching ticks to better understand the threats they pose. They collect ticks by dragging a large piece of white cloth through grass and bushes or using special traps. Once they gather the ticks, they test them to discover what diseases they might carry. These efforts help monitor tick populations and disease spread.

Live in a high-risk tick city or state?

If you live in a state with the most ticks, you know how concerning it can be to protect your family and pets from these pervasive pests. To help prevent ticks, keep your yard trimmed, wear long pants and sleeves outdoors, use EPA-approved insect repellents, and perform tick checks after being outside. However, effectively managing tick populations around your home often requires a more robust approach.

At Terminix, our technicians use targeted tick control treatments and prevention strategies to help reduce tick populations in your yard, giving you peace of mind. Get started with tick control from Terminix!

1Tick-borne disease information is sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.