Which state is worst for ticks?

Which state is worst for ticks depends on tick species and tick-borne disease rates, but states in Northeast, Mid Atlantic, and Upper Midwest are generally worst for blacklegged ticks that carry Lyme disease and other illnesses. According to CDC data on Lyme disease incidence, states worst for ticks include Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine, which consistently report highest numbers of Lyme disease cases, as they have abundant wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and deer and rodent hosts that support blacklegged tick populations. Pennsylvania is often ranked worst due to high Lyme disease incidence and large tick population. Connecticut, where Lyme disease was first identified, also has very high rates. In Southeast, states like North Carolina and Tennessee are worst for Lone Star ticks and American dog ticks. In terms of tick diversity and overall tick encounters, states with warm, humid climates and lots of outdoor recreation like Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri also rank high. No state is tick free, but Northeast and Upper Midwest are worst for Lyme disease carrying blacklegged ticks, while Southeast is worst for Lone Star ticks that cause alpha-gal syndrome. Risk also varies within states by habitat, with wooded and brushy areas worse than urban. Prevention with repellents, tick checks, and landscape management is important in worst states.