Illinois Reports 6-Month Tick Season Expanding as Warmer Winters Extend Activity

2 articles · Updated · The State Journal-Register · Jun 8

Illinois health officials say ticks are now showing activity earlier in the year, extending the state's usual April-to-September season as the climate warms.
Warmer winters and longer warm seasons are keeping ticks active deeper into spring and later into fall, continuing a long-term rise in reported tickborne diseases in Illinois and nationwide.
Lyme disease risk remains highest in northern and central Illinois, where blacklegged ticks are concentrated, though officials said it is still too early to tell whether 2026 diagnoses will top prior years.
Southern Illinois has more Lone Star ticks, which spread ehrlichiosis and are linked to alpha-gal syndrome; officials said those ticks are also moving into central Illinois, where the two tick ranges now converge.
IDPH advises people in grassy outdoor areas to treat clothing with 0.5% permethrin and use EPA-listed repellents such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

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