Ohio Sees Rising Tick Populations and Lyme Disease Cases
Ohio is experiencing a significant increase in tick populations, with the Buckeye Tick Test program at Ohio State University processing nearly 6,000 ticks in its first year. The program, launched in 2025, allows residents to mail in ticks for DNA extraction and pathogen testing. Data from the program reveals that about 20% of adult black-legged ticks in Ohio carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. The state has also seen a rise in Lyme disease cases, jumping from 40 cases in 2010 to over 2,800 in 2025. Ticks are thriving due to favorable environmental conditions, including reforestation and changes in wildlife habitats.