If you’ve spent any time in the woods, grasslands, CRP fields, food plots, or even your own backyard recently, you’ve probably noticed one thing: there seem to be more ticks than ever before. Ticks have become mainstream taking airspace on the nightly news and becoming the focus point on social media posts, but for good reason. Ticks are no longer only a concern for those walking through the woods.
Hunters, landowners, farmers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the Midwest are reporting increased tick encounters, longer tick seasons, and sightings of species that were once uncommon in their area. While ticks have always been a part of the outdoors, researchers and public health agencies agree that both tick populations and tick distribution have expanded significantly over the last several decades.
For those who enjoy spending time in nature, understanding why ticks are increasing and how to protect yourself has become an important part of enjoying the outdoors safely.
Why Tick Populations Are Growing
Several factors appear to be contributing to the increase in tick numbers throughout the Midwest.
One of the biggest drivers is the growth of wildlife populations, particularly white-tailed deer. Deer serve as important hosts for several tick species, including the Lone Star tick. One animal can carry over 1,000 ticks at a time. As deer populations expanded across much of the United States over the past century, ticks expanded with them.
However, the most recent increase in tick numbers comes from climate. Warmer winters, earlier springs, and longer periods of humidity allow ticks to survive at higher rates and remain active for longer portions of the year. Researchers have documented northward expansion of several tick species, such as the Lone Star tick, as environmental conditions become more favorable.
The result is a combination of more ticks, more species, and greater exposure for people who spend time outdoors.
The Midwest’s Most Common Tick Species
While dozens of tick species exist in North America, a handful are responsible for most human encounters throughout the midwest.
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
The blacklegged tick is best known for transmitting Lyme disease, but it can also carry anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other pathogens. Its range has expanded dramatically throughout the eastern United States and Great Lakes region over the past several decades. 
Lone Star Tick
The Lone Star tick has become one of the fastest-expanding tick species in the country. It is aggressive, actively seeks hosts, and has been linked to ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus, and alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger an allergy to red meat and dairy. Researchers have connected its expansion to growing deer populations and favorable environmental conditions.
American Dog Tick
The American dog tick remains common throughout much of the Midwest and is associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other diseases. It is frequently encountered in grassy fields, roadsides, and edge habitat.
Tick Trends by State
Illinois
Illinois has experienced some of the most significant changes in tick distribution in the Midwest. Recent research from the University of Illinois found that deer ticks, Lone Star ticks, and American dog ticks are likely present in every Illinois county.
Blacklegged ticks are most common in northern Illinois and along river corridors, while Lone Star ticks are especially abundant throughout central and southern Illinois. Researchers have also documented the northward movement of Gulf Coast ticks into parts of southern Illinois.
Iowa
Iowa continues to see growth in both blacklegged and Lone Star tick populations. State health officials have reported increasing cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and alpha-gal syndrome in recent years. Lone Star ticks, once considered primarily a southern species, are now well established in many parts of Iowa.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has long been considered a hotspot for blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease. Researchers continue to monitor expanding tick populations throughout the state and are closely watching for the arrival and establishment of Lone Star ticks, which have steadily moved northward across neighboring states.
Missouri
Missouri has some of the highest Lone Star tick populations in the Midwest. The species is widespread throughout the state and is commonly encountered by hunters, landowners, and outdoor workers. Early spring seasons have contributed to the rapid increase in Long Star tick populations in Missouri.
Kansas
Kansas is home to several common tick species, including the Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and blacklegged tick. The state’s combination of grasslands, timbered draws, and abundant wildlife provides ideal habitat. Like neighboring states, Kansas continues to see growing awareness of tick-borne diseases and the importance of prevention.
Growing Tick Problem
The increase in tick populations is not just anecdotal.
In 2026, the CDC reported that emergency room visits for tick bites were higher than normal, by as much as 25%, across much of the country and were reaching the highest levels seen for that time of year since at least 2017. Researchers and public health officials have also documented rising tick activity across much of the Midwest.
Many outdoor enthusiasts are also noticing that ticks are no longer limited to deep timber or remote hunting areas. Today, they can be found in field edges, food plots, CRP ground, pastureland, trail systems, creek bottoms, and even residential yards, meaning everyone should be working to reduce their risks of a tick bite.
Reduce Your Tick Risk
While it’s impossible to eliminate every tick encounter, a few simple precautions can greatly reduce your chances of being bitten.
Some common recommendations include:
- Wear long pants and long sleeves when possible.
- Tuck pant legs into socks when walking through heavy vegetation.
- Use EPA-approved tick repellents.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin when appropriate.
- Stay on maintained trails when possible.
- Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
- Shower soon after returning home.
- Check pets, hunting dogs, and gear before entering vehicles or buildings.
- Remove attached ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
These basic steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of tick bites and tick-borne illness.
Learning From Experience
Every landowner, hunter, farmer, and outdoor enthusiast develops their own routine for dealing with ticks. Some rely on treated clothing, others have favorite repellents, and many have developed field-tested strategies that work for the properties they spend time on.
As tick populations continue to increase throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas, sharing those experiences becomes more valuable than ever. Understanding local conditions, seasonal activity, and practical prevention methods can help everyone enjoy the land while reducing their risk.
Ticks may be a growing part of the outdoor landscape, but with awareness and preparation, they don’t have to keep you from enjoying the great outdoors.
