Ticks can be active in the winter months and study shows Ohio is seeing a significant increase in cases of Lyme disease

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A new study from The Ohio State University shows a major increase in the risk of being bitten by a tick infected with bacteria that cause Lyme disease here in Ohio. And the concern is not limited to warmer months.

According to one of the authors of the OSU study, even when there’s snow on the ground, as long as the ambient temperature is above freezing, blacklegged, or deer ticks, can be active. That’s a tick found in our area that can cause Lyme disease, which means there’s a tick exposure risk in our region year-round. There’s a special program in Lucas County focused on fighting back and keeping us safe.

Ticks are probably not at the top of your mind when it comes to the winter months. But experts say the parasites are a year-round concern.

Nicole Tuttle-Robb is the community outreach and education coordinator for the Toledo Area Sanitary District.

“We hear the myth that winter kills everything. It’s not true. If it’s warm enough for you to go on a walk outside, it’s warm enough for ticks to be out there,” Tuttle-Robb said.

The ticks found in our region can carry a number of diseases.

“We are seeing these diseases more commonly, and so we at TASD developed a dedicated tick program focused on monitoring and testing for diseases and we hope to continue that and develop a control strategy,” Tuttle-Robb said.

The program works to identify the ticks in our region and monitors the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. Workers collect ticks through things like drags and traps, and the public can even be part of the process.

“We have tick boxes at five locations. One at the TASD office on Stickney, as well as Wildwood, Oak Openings, Pearson, and Side Cut metroparks,” Tuttle-Robb said.

And ticks aren’t the only pests that can survive the colder temperatures.

“A lot of our mosquitoes can overwinter. Some of the species in Lucas County, their eggs survive, even in the cold,” Tuttle-Robb said.

When it comes to ticks, if you find one on you or your pet, you’re asked to put it in those drop boxes.

“In 2025, we collected 1,200 ticks, 500 from the public, that we tested. We had an infection rate of 15% for Lyme disease. Anytime you are outside, even in winter, you should always check yourself, your kids and pets. It can affect every single one of you,” Tuttle-Robb said.

So, how do you safely remove a tick? According to TASD, sanitize the area and the tweezers you’re using. Grab the tick close to its head and pull up slowly and carefully. Be sure to sanitize the bite area again.

When it comes to your pets, experts say there is no season anymore. The recommendation is to use flea, tick and heartworm prevention year-round.

To learn more about the work of TASD, click here.

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