Ohio ticks pose year-round threat

Happy False Spring, everyone. I hope you are all surviving this extreme weather being thrown at us lately. On our farm the cows have been vaccinated and ultrasounded, and we are excited to report we have closed in our calving season to September through October next year.

The 2-year-old filly has been X-rayed and will be headed to the colt starter in May. The broodmares are cycling and will be cultured, and we are excited to get them bred in April/May.

So many exciting, fun things happen on the farm. But in these extreme weather swings, I have found on my farm that ticks are active. I wanted to share some information and reminders as we head into real spring.

Ohioans are being reminded ticks are not just a summer nuisance. They are a year-round concern for livestock owners, pet owners and anyone spending time outdoors. Ohio State University Extension reports tick activity and tick-borne disease have been detected in all 12 months of the year in Ohio, underscoring the need for early scouting, prevention and education.

Warmer winters and longer fall seasons are leading to extended tick activity across Ohio, increasing the risk of exposure well beyond the traditional summer months. Because ticks can survive cold temperatures by sheltering under leaf litter and snow, people may encounter them during late fall hunts, winter hikes, early spring fieldwork and routine outdoor chores.

Ohio State University Extension reminds residents that year-round tick awareness is especially important for hunters, farmers, hikers and those working with livestock. While not every tick carries disease, ticks found in Ohio are capable of transmitting illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

After spending time outdoors, residents are encouraged to conduct thorough tick checks — even during cooler months when ticks may be less noticeable. Following a tick bite, individuals should monitor their health for several weeks. Symptoms of tick-borne illness can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, or a rash, particularly the bull’s-eye rash commonly associated with Lyme disease. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider and mention recent tick exposure.

Ticks should be removed promptly using proper techniques. Folk remedies such as burning the tick or applying petroleum jelly are discouraged, as they may increase disease transmission. After removal, the bite area should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol.

Of increasing concern to Ohio livestock producers is the invasive Asian longhorned tick. First confirmed in Ohio in 2020, the tick has spread rapidly and has now been identified in 19 counties, with additional expansion expected.

The longhorned tick poses a serious threat to cattle due to heavy blood feeding and its ability to transmit Theileria orientalis, a blood parasite that can cause anemia, jaundice, reproductive issues and increased cattle deaths. There is currently no approved treatment for this disease in the United States, and infected animals that recover remain carriers.

Extension professionals advise producers to begin scouting for ticks earlier in the season. Ohio recorded its earliest longhorned tick detection in March 2025. Producers also are reminded that not all fly control products protect against ticks. Labels should be read carefully, and products must be specifically labeled for tick control.

To support public health efforts, Ohio State University has launched the Buckeye Tick Test Laboratory, offering pathogen testing for individual ticks submitted by the public. Results are typically available within 72 hours. Submission guidelines and additional information are available at buckeyebugbite.osu.edu.

As Ohioans prepare for spring fieldwork, outdoor recreation and fall hunting seasons, extension educators stress ticks are no longer seasonal pests. Awareness, prevention and early action remain the most effective tools for protecting people, pets and livestock year round.

While about a dozen tick species have been identified in Ohio, most are associated with wildlife and rarely encountered by people. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Health, three species account for nearly all tick-borne diseases reported in the state: American dog tick, blacklegged tick (deer tick) and lone star tick.

These species commonly bite people and pets and are responsible for diseases of major public health concern in Ohio.

Public health officials encourage Ohioans to reduce their risk of tick exposure by wearing insect repellent containing up to 30% DEET; performing daily tick checks after outdoor activities; limiting time in tick habitat such as tall grass, brush and wooded areas; and using appropriate tick prevention products on pets and livestock.

Ohio State University Extension invites livestock owners, horse owners and outdoor enthusiasts to attend Tick Talk: Protecting People, Pets and Livestock, a free, hands-on educational program.

Participants will learn to identify common tick habitats; conduct tick surveys using drag methods; reduce tick exposure around homes, farms and pastures; protect people and livestock from tick-borne disease; and hear from a tick research expert on local species and disease risks.

The cost is free, but preregistration is required. Refreshments will be provided. Register by calling 330-674-3015.

I am scheduling farm visits for spring/summer. If you have questions about something on the farm/property, give the extension office a call for a farm visit at 330-674-3015. If you have any agricultural or natural resources-related questions, feel free to reach out to me at the office or email hill.1357@osu.edu.

Janessa Hill is an ANR educator with Holmes County OSU Extension.