Pennsylvania Tick Season Starts Early After Mild Winter

CDC reports record ER visits for tick bites as Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab sees 55% more ticks tested than last year.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A detailed, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the complex internal structure of a tick, with its vital organs and intricate anatomy glowing against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the clinical urgency of the early tick season in Pennsylvania.An X-ray view of a tick's internal anatomy highlights the growing public health threat as the insects emerge earlier than usual in Pennsylvania.Philadelphia Today

Ticks are emerging earlier and in greater numbers this year in Pennsylvania due to the mild winter, increasing the risk for people and pets. The Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab has tested 55% more ticks than last year, and the Centers for Disease Control reports ER visits for tick bites in the state are at a 10-year high.

Why it matters

Ticks and tick-borne illnesses are a growing public health concern in Pennsylvania, which leads the nation in tick activity year-round. The early arrival of ticks this season could mean a longer and more severe tick season, posing greater risks for residents and their pets.

The details

Nicole Chinnici, director of the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab, said the snow cover during the mild winter actually helped ticks survive, as the moisture provided insulation. The lab has already tested 55% more ticks than last year, which was already higher than past years. The Centers for Disease Control reports ER visits for tick bites have risen steadily in the past four weeks in Pennsylvania and around the country.

  • Ticks are appearing earlier than usual in Pennsylvania this year.
  • The Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab has tested 55% more ticks than last year.

The players

Nicole Chinnici

Director of the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab.

Centers for Disease Control

The national public health institute that reports on tick-borne illness trends.

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What they’re saying

“But unfortunately the snow actually helps them survive The moisture from the snow, the ticks use and they have components in their mouth parts that then don't freeze over the winter months.”

— Nicole Chinnici, Director, Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab

“Pennsylvania is the leader in ticks and tick-born illnesses year round so you want to be on tick alert constantly practicing tick prevention.”

— Nicole Chinnici, Director, Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab

What’s next

It is not yet clear how long the increased tick activity will last this year or if the number of tick-borne illnesses will continue to rise through the summer.

The takeaway

The early arrival of ticks in Pennsylvania this year due to the mild winter highlights the growing public health threat of tick-borne illnesses in the state. Residents and pet owners will need to be extra vigilant about tick prevention and monitoring for signs of tick-related diseases.