Study: Missouri, Illinois among states with most ticks

ST. LOUIS - Amid the rise in ticks during the warm weather, a new study suggests that residents in Missouri and Illinois should take caution while enjoying the great outdoors.

Terminix recently published a report from 2024 that places Missouri and Illinois among the states with the worst tick problems. The report attributed the various states' warm climates, high humidity, and widespread green spaces as reasons to be atop the list.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks are small, invasive arachnids that feed on blood and spread germs that make people sick. Ticks can spread a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more.

According to Terminix, California led the list as the state with the most ticks, followed by Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York, respectively. Terminix ranked Illinois as the 17th state with the most tick problems, while Missouri came in at 22nd.

Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey are the states with the highest rates of Lyme disease cases, according to the report. Furthermore, the organization listed New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. as the top five tick-infested cities within the U.S.

To help prevent ticks, Terminix advises residents to keep their yard trimmed, wear long sleeves outdoors, use EPA-approved insect repellents, and check for ticks after being outside.