Those who keep a count on the number of ticks in the commonwealth said 2023 is par for the course.

“As far as numbers go, we are not seeing more ticks than average this year,” said Kyle Schutt, insect management technician for the Schuylkill Conservation District.

In his role, Schutt collects different species of ticks and sends them to a Department of Environmental Protection laboratory where they are tested for diseases.

Perhaps the most common is Lyme disease, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected black legged tick, or deer tick.

The disease is found in every Pennsylvania county, many of which have individuals who work in insect management like Schutt. He contacted others to see if they had picked up on any different behaviors.

“They did not seem to emerge any earlier this year, however if the climate continues to warm, this may change,” he noted.

Tick emergence is based on a number of factors, including temperature, humidity and the amount of light. But Schutt said the insects are resilient.

“The only time you will not see ticks in Pennsylvania is when temperatures are at freezing or below,” he said.

Even though numbers seem the same, Lyme disease cases are on the rise.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania has had the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country in 11 of the past 12 years. Pennsylvania had 2,900 reported cases of Lyme in 2021, but the CDC notes that the number is likely about 10 times higher.

“Pennsylvanians need to be aware that ticks associated with causing Lyme disease are found everywhere across the Commonwealth, including green spaces in large cities, rural areas, and in state parks and forests,” said Dr. Wendy Braund, Deputy Secretary for Health Preparedness and Community Protection. “We encourage Pennsylvanians to always check themselves and their pets for ticks after engaging in outdoor activities and to immediately contact a health care provider if they have symptoms of Lyme disease.”

Symptoms can include a bull’s-eye shaped rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment with antibiotics during the early stages can help prevent the onset of more severe symptoms that can affect the heart, nervous system and joint.

Lyme disease from ticks is most prevalent in the warmer months of May through September.

According to the Department of Health, 46.1% of 2021 cases were recorded in June and July. The latest data notes that Lyme-related visits to emergency departments around the state reached their highest levels during the week of June 26-July 2.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently reminded people to be vigilant against ticks.

DCNR Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh noted the first line of defense is avoiding tick-infested habitats, such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass.

“Just as strong sun or severe weather demand vigilance, Lyme disease requires the hiker and hunter, angler and birder all to be prepared and proactive,” he said.