Tick Populations and Tick-Borne Illnesses in Pennsylvania: Why the Risk Continues to Grow

Tick Populations and Tick-Borne Illnesses in Pennsylvania: Why the Risk Continues to Grow

Pennsylvania has long been recognized as one of the nation's hotspots for ticks and tick-borne diseases—and unfortunately, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. For homeowners across the Pittsburgh region and throughout Western Pennsylvania, understanding why tick populations are increasing and how to protect your family has never been more important.

At Keystone Tick & Mosquito Control, we believe that education is just as important as treatment. Here's what every Pennsylvania homeowner should know.

Pennsylvania Remains One of America's Highest-Risk States

Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of reported Lyme disease cases in the country. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, more than 16,600 Lyme disease cases were reported in 2024, and every county in the state reported infections. While changes in reporting methods contributed to higher reported numbers, Pennsylvania continues to experience one of the highest Lyme disease burdens nationwide.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health estimates the actual number of Lyme disease infections may approach 100,000 annually, because many cases are never officially reported.

For residents of Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, and surrounding counties, tick exposure has become a reality of everyday outdoor life.

Why Are Tick Populations Increasing?

Several factors are contributing to larger tick populations across Pennsylvania:

Milder Winters

Warmer winter temperatures allow more ticks to survive into the following spring. Instead of prolonged freezing periods that naturally reduce populations, many ticks now remain active during much of the year.

Longer Growing Seasons

Spring arrives earlier and fall lasts longer, giving ticks a longer period to feed, reproduce, and seek hosts.

Expanding Deer and Rodent Populations

White-tailed deer are critical hosts for adult blacklegged (deer) ticks, while mice and other small mammals commonly carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. As these animal populations thrive in suburban neighborhoods, so do ticks.

Ideal Backyard Habitat

Many Pennsylvania homes border wooded areas, creek beds, ornamental landscaping, or unmanaged vegetation—perfect environments where ticks wait for passing people and pets.

Recent public health data also indicate that tick habitat continues to expand across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Tick Season Is Lasting Longer

Many homeowners think of ticks as only a spring or summer problem.

Unfortunately, that's no longer true.

In Pennsylvania, ticks can become active whenever temperatures rise above approximately 40°F, meaning activity may begin in late winter and continue well into late fall—and sometimes even during mild winter days.

Peak activity typically occurs between:

• March – May (spring nymphs)
• May – July (highest Lyme disease risk)
• September – November (adult deer ticks)

This extended season means families should remain vigilant for much more of the year.

Tick-Borne Diseases Are More Than Lyme Disease

While Lyme disease receives the most attention, Pennsylvania ticks can transmit several illnesses, including:

• Lyme Disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Powassan Virus (rare but potentially severe)
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (primarily spread by American dog ticks)

Although Lyme disease remains the most common diagnosis, health officials continue to monitor additional emerging tick-borne pathogens throughout Pennsylvania.

Children and Pets Face Greater Risk

Children frequently play close to the ground where ticks are waiting on grass, shrubs, and leaf litter.

Dogs are especially susceptible because they naturally explore wooded edges, landscaping, and tall vegetation.

Protecting your yard helps reduce the chance that family members—or your pets—bring ticks inside the home.

What Homeowners Can Do

Reducing tick populations requires a combination of property maintenance and professional treatment.

Some of the most effective steps include:

• Keep grass mowed regularly
• Remove leaf litter
• Trim vegetation around patios and play areas
• Create separation between wooded areas and lawns
• Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors
• Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention for pets
• Consider routine professional tick treatments throughout the season

Professional barrier treatments target the areas where ticks actually live—not simply the open lawn.

Why Professional Tick Control Works

DIY sprays often provide inconsistent coverage and are rarely applied where ticks spend most of their life cycle.

Professional applications focus on:

• Wood lines
• Landscape beds
• Dense vegetation
• Fence rows
• Under decks
• Shrubs and ornamental plantings
• Property perimeters

Routine treatments throughout the season can dramatically reduce tick activity around your home, making your outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable.

Protect Your Family Before Tick Problems Grow

Tick populations in Pennsylvania are unlikely to decline anytime soon. As warmer seasons become longer and tick habitats continue expanding, prevention remains the best defense.

Whether you're spending time in your backyard, gardening, entertaining guests, or simply letting your dog outside, reducing tick populations around your home can significantly lower your family's risk of exposure.

At Keystone Tick & Mosquito Control, we specialize exclusively in protecting Western Pennsylvania families from ticks and mosquitoes. Our targeted treatments are designed specifically for Pennsylvania properties, helping homeowners enjoy their yards with greater confidence throughout the season.

Take Back Your Yard™

If you're ready to reduce ticks around your home, contact Keystone Tick & Mosquito Control for a customized treatment plan designed for your property.

Serving Pittsburgh, Mars, Cranberry Township, Gibsonia, Wexford, Butler, Sewickley, and communities throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.