09/12/2026
Head’s up Ohio Hiker Hounds:
🕷️ Health officials are warning Northeast Ohio residents that tick season doesn't end when summer does, particularly with the Lone Star tick now established in Cuyahoga, Medina and Summit counties.
Unlike some species that go dormant in cooler weather, Lone Star ticks stay active into fall. During the nymph stage they can be as small as a poppy seed, making them extremely difficult to spot. Adult females are identifiable by a distinctive white dot on their backs, the marking behind the species name. Officials are particularly watching for alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction to red meat and meat products that can develop after a Lone Star tick bite. Cuyahoga County isn't seeing many cases yet, but that could shift as the species becomes more established.
The CDC reported emergency room visits for tick bites hit their highest level in nearly a decade this year. Officials recommend thorough tick checks after yard work, including the scalp, back and other hard-to-see spots, plus showering after being outdoors.
