11 Illinois Places Where Ticks are a Big Problem

One of the hottest topics for a number of reasons is the increase in tick activity in the Midwest which includes Illinois where there are 11 areas that are reporting big problems.

I decided to go straight to the most reliable and official source I could find to determine which areas of Illinois are seeing the biggest increase in tick activity this year. The Illinois Lyme Association has an interactive tick surveillance map where you can track where these pests are the most problematic. Here are the top 11 counties where you need to be aware of tick issues.

Many believe there is a conspiracy at work where nefarious sources are deploying ticks to spread diseases. While I have not seen any proof that's the case, why does there seem to be such an increase in tick activity in Illinois if there isn't? There was a report just a few days ago of a Rockford family that found dozens of ticks on themselves after a trip to Rock Cut State Park. I have seen authorities say that warmer year-round temperatures, expanding wildlife populations (like white-tailed deer and mice), and habitat modifications are the reason behind the surge in Illinois tick incidents.

How can you safely remove a tick if you find one on you?

The CDC says you need to find "clean fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady pressure". My dad (who was not a doctor) told me that you need to light a match, blow it out and then touch the tick with the match which will make it release from your skin. While I don't recommend you do anything I have done, my dad's tick trick worked.