Are Ticks in Neighborhoods? When They’re Most Active and Where to Watch
Ticks are not limited to forests.
They are found in parks, campuses, and neighborhoods.
Risk can be high even in everyday environments.
Yes—ticks are commonly found in neighborhoods, parks, and walkways, not just wooded areas.
In fact, infection rates in ticks may be higher in spring and fall than in summer, increasing risk outside peak “tick season.”
- Ticks are present in everyday environments
- Risk is not limited to summer
- Spring and fall may carry higher infection rates
Ticks in Neighborhoods and Built Environments
A study by Roome and colleagues examined tick exposure in “built environments,” including college campuses, parks, playgrounds, and walkways with heavy foot traffic.
Researchers identified 1,375 deer ticks (481 nymphs and 894 adults) along these frequently used paths.
This suggests that even areas with high human activity—often assumed to be low risk—can harbor infected ticks.
DNA analysis revealed an overall Borrelia burgdorferi infection rate of 39% in ticks collected from these environments.
When Are Ticks Most Active?
Many people assume summer is the highest-risk season for ticks—but this study suggests a more complex pattern.
- Adult ticks were active from April through November
- Nymphs were most active during summer months
Importantly, infection rates were often higher in spring and fall than in summer.
- Fall: 30.0–54.7% infected
- Spring: 36.8–65.6% infected
- Summer: 20.0–28.2% infected
This means the likelihood of encountering an infected tick may be greater outside peak summer months.
Why “Safe” Areas May Not Be Safe
There is a common belief that built environments—such as sidewalks, campuses, and playgrounds—provide protection from ticks.
This study challenges that assumption.
Ticks were found along heavily used walkways, demonstrating that exposure risk is not limited to wooded or rural settings.
Even in areas where people gather regularly, ticks can be present and infected.
What This Means for Lyme Disease Risk
The risk of tick exposure extends beyond hiking and outdoor recreation.
People may encounter ticks during everyday activities such as:
- Walking on campus or in neighborhoods
- Visiting parks and playgrounds
- Spending time in suburban environments
Tick prevention should be considered whenever ticks are active—not just during summer.
For more on exposure risk, see tick bite risk.
Clinical Takeaway
Ticks are present in neighborhoods and built environments, not just forests.
Infection risk can be significant in spring and fall—even in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
