Tick populations are surging across several Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states this year, leading to record-high activity levels [1].

This increase is significant because the spread is moving beyond the traditional endemic zones of the Northeast and Upper Midwest. The shift suggests a changing geographical risk for tick-borne illnesses that may catch residents and health providers off guard.

According to the MyWild 2026 Tick Forecast, populations are booming in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee [2]. Other reports identify Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia as primary areas of concern [3].

Data indicates that tick activity in the U.S. has reached levels not seen in nearly 10 years [1]. This surge has coincided with a rise in medical emergencies, as emergency department visits for tick bites have reached their highest rate [1].

Experts said something is causing tick populations to explode in these states [3]. While the specific driver remains unexplained, the rapid increase has alarmed specialists who monitor parasite trends. The current spike represents a departure from historical patterns in these specific regions.

Homeowners in the affected states are being advised to take precautions to keep their yards safe as the 2026 season progresses [2]. Public health officials said the importance of vigilance is key in states like Maryland and Ohio, where the surge is most pronounced [2].

“Tick activity in the U.S. has reached levels not seen in nearly 10 years.”

The expansion of tick populations into the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions indicates a shift in the ecological boundaries of tick-borne diseases. When record-high activity coincides with a spike in emergency room visits, it suggests that public awareness and preventative measures in these newly affected areas have not kept pace with the biological surge.