DNREC and the Division of Public Health are reminding Delaware residents that ticks remain active year-round and urging precautions against bites as several species in the state can carry disease. (Photo courtesy of DNREC.)

As warmer weather draws more people outdoors, state officials are reminding Delaware residents that ticks remain active year-round and can pose a risk beyond the summer months.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Division of Public Health (DPH) issued a joint advisory Monday encouraging residents to take precautions against tick bites and the illnesses they can spread.

Nineteen tick species have been identified in Delaware, though only a few are responsible for most human bites. Among them are the blacklegged tick, lone star tick and American dog tick, all known to carry disease.

“The blacklegged tick is the one we worry about most,” said State Tick Biologist Dr. Ashley Kennedy of DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section. “It can carry several different pathogens, and in our testing, a much higher percentage of them are infected compared to other species.”

Officials also highlighted Delaware’s first confirmed detection of Powassan virus in a tick. While rare, the virus can cause severe illness and may be fatal in some cases. Unlike many other tick-borne diseases, Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after a tick attaches.

Dr. Kennedy said misconceptions about how long a tick must be attached to transmit disease can lead to risk.

“Powassan virus shows that there’s no safe length of time to have a tick biting you. And blacklegged ticks, the main vector of Powassan virus in our region, are active year-round,” she said.

“There are two major differences between Powassan virus and the other tick-borne diseases in our area,” she added. “The first, of course, is that it’s a virus, whereas most of the others are caused by bacteria. While Lyme disease and other bacterial tick-borne disease can be treated with antibiotics, there is no specific treatment or cure for Powassan virus.”

Ticks acquire pathogens from wildlife such as mice and birds as they feed throughout their life cycle. Health risks are greatest from nymph and adult ticks, which are more likely to carry disease.

Tick-borne illnesses remain a public health concern in Delaware. More than 350 cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2025, making it the most common tick-related illness in the state. Additionally, more than 200 cases of alpha-gal syndrome have been reported since the condition became reportable in 2024.

“Defending yourself from ticks is not just about comfort, it’s about health,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “By following these simple, effective steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites and tick-borne illnesses, ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer.”

Officials recommend several steps to reduce the risk of tick bites, including wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. Residents are also encouraged to maintain their yards, keep grass trimmed, and use tick prevention products for pets.

Anyone who finds a tick should remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the area. Health officials advise contacting a medical provider if symptoms such as fever, rash or flu-like illness develop within 30 days of a bite.

DNREC also encourages residents to document ticks they encounter by saving the specimen or taking a photo for identification through the state’s Tick Interaction Report system.

More information about tick safety and tick-borne diseases is available through DNREC and DPH online resources.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.