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Health, Science & Environment

Scientists say Ohio will see an increase in parasitic ticks this year

A person finding a wood tick on a young girl's neck.
Mayo Clinic
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Mayo Clinic

Scientists say that we will see an increase in parasitic ticks in Ohio this year. They say the increase is due to warming temperatures from climate change expanding the number of months ticks can survive in the region.

There are also an abundance of hosts in Ohio, like deer, for the ticks to feed on.

Dr. Don Cipollini is a professor of biological sciences at Wright State University. He said it's "like a perfect storm" of events: conducive environmental conditions coupled with plenty of hosts.

But Dr. Cipollini said that ticks should not discourage people from enjoying nature. He recommends people wear boots while hiking, utilize insect and tick repellents, and always check themselves and their pets for any ticks.

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Debbie Holmes has worked at WOSU News since 2009. She has hosted All Things Considered, since May 2021. Prior to that she was the host of Morning Edition and a reporter.