Are There Ticks in Maryland?
Yes, ticks are established in Maryland, particularly in wooded regions and areas near the Chesapeake Bay. The deer tick, which carries Lyme disease and other serious infections, is active throughout the state from spring through fall. Understanding tick habitats, checking your body after outdoor time, and removing ticks promptly are essential safety practices for Maryland residents and visitors.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
American Dog Tick · Nova Patch CC BY-SA
American Dog Tick · Matthew Lindsey CC BY
Asian Longhorned Tick · Zachary Dankowicz CC BY
- 4,570
- GBIF records
Yes, ticks are in Maryland. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
5 types of ticks recorded in Maryland
5 tick species have a verified observation record in Maryland, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 5 shown is recorded as introduced to Maryland rather than native.
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Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Yes, ticks are established in Maryland, particularly in wooded regions and areas near the Chesapeake Bay. The deer tick, which carries Lyme disease and other serious infections, is active throughout the state from spring through fall. Understanding tick habitats, checking your body after outdoor time, and removing ticks promptly are essential safety practices for Maryland residents and visitors.
Are Ticks in Maryland?
Yes, ticks are common and well established throughout Maryland, especially in wooded and forested areas. The deer tick, or black-legged tick, is the primary species of concern because it transmits Lyme disease and other serious infections. These small arachnids thrive in Maryland's forests, particularly in the western regions near the Appalachian foothills and throughout central Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay region and its associated wooded areas also host significant tick populations. Maryland has experienced increasing rates of Lyme disease over recent decades as tick populations have grown. The ticks are found from the mountainous western part of the state, through the piedmont region, all the way to the coastal forests. Spring through fall represent the active season, with peak activity occurring in late spring and early summer. Ticks are adapted to Maryland's humid climate and wooded landscape, making them a regular concern for anyone spending time outdoors. Awareness of their presence helps you take appropriate precautions. For more on tick in Maryland, see ourMaryland tick guide.
How Dangerous Are Ticks?
Tick bites in Maryland can be medically serious because these small arachnids transmit bacteria that cause Lyme disease, a systemic infection affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system if untreated. Other infections, though less common, can also spread through tick bites. The actual risk depends on whether the tick was infected, how long it remained attached, and how quickly you remove and seek care. Most tick bites in Maryland do not result in illness, and many infected ticks are removed before transmission occurs. Lyme disease is highly treatable with antibiotics when recognized early, with recovery rates near complete in most cases. Complications and severe outcomes are uncommon, especially in people who receive prompt medical attention. The danger is real but manageable with swift action. Removing a tick within 24 hours significantly reduces your risk of disease transmission. The key is not to panic but to act decisively: remove the tick, monitor yourself for symptoms, and seek care if any develop. Understanding the actual level of risk helps you stay safe without unnecessary fear. You can also browseMaryland wildlife.
How to Recognize Ticks
Deer ticks in Maryland are small and easy to overlook. Adults are about the size of a sesame seed when unfed, and nymphs are smaller still, no bigger than a poppy seed. Their color ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown or nearly black, with eight dark legs. The body is smooth and oval in shape. American dog ticks, also found in Maryland, are slightly larger and have a white marking on their back. Both types hide in tall grass, brush, leaf litter, and the dense forests throughout Maryland. Ticks do not jump or fly; they position themselves on vegetation and grab onto passing hosts using specialized legs. You encounter them while hiking wooded trails, walking through state parks, or exploring forests near the Chesapeake Bay or in western Maryland. Ticks are most active in damp conditions and are especially numerous after rainfall. They cling to your clothing or skin as you brush past vegetation. Check your body carefully, as the small size makes spotting them difficult without close and deliberate inspection of skin folds and warm areas.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick on your skin, remain calm and remove it promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid jerking or twisting motions, which may leave tick parts embedded or cause it to release more bacteria. After removal, clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hands well. Place the tick in a sealed container if you wish to have it identified later, but do not crush it with your bare hands. Monitor the bite area over the following weeks. If you develop a rash, fever, joint aches, or other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly and mention your tick exposure. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Do not attempt removal methods like petroleum jelly or heat, as these are ineffective and may cause harm. Swift, direct removal is the safest and most effective approach.
How to Prevent Tick Encounters
Prevention is your best defense against ticks in Maryland. When spending time in wooded areas or hiking, wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into your socks. Light colors make ticks more visible before they reach your skin. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin, and consider treating your clothing with permethrin before outdoor activities to repel ticks. After returning indoors, check your entire body carefully, including warm areas like your armpits, behind your ears, your hairline, and the back of your knees. Shower within a few hours of outdoor activity, as this can wash away unattached ticks. Place your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least ten minutes to kill any ticks that were carried inside. Keep your yard maintained by removing leaf litter, trimming grass, and clearing brush in areas where your family spends time. Check pets regularly for ticks, as they can carry ticks into your home. These practical prevention steps significantly reduce your tick exposure when enjoying Maryland's outdoor spaces.
Where and When in Maryland
Ticks are found throughout Maryland's wooded areas and forests. They are especially abundant in western Maryland near the Appalachian Mountains, in the piedmont region, and throughout the forested areas around the Chesapeake Bay. State parks and natural areas, including parks in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties, have established tick populations. Tick activity peaks during spring and early summer, roughly from May through June, when nymphs become active after overwintering. A second, smaller peak occurs in fall around September and October as adult ticks seek hosts before winter dormancy. Winter brings a slowdown, though ticks can emerge during warm spells. Humidity and temperature drive activity; warmer, wetter conditions favor tick activity. Late spring and early summer present the highest risk for encounters. Understanding seasonal patterns helps you plan outdoor activities and increase precautions during peak seasons. OurMaryland wildlifeguide includes information on outdoor safety and the animals you might encounter during these seasons.
Lookalikes: What Is Not a Dangerous Tick
Many small arthropods found on or near humans are mistaken for ticks. Chiggers, the larval form of harvest mites, are often confused with ticks and do bite, causing itching, but they cause only minor discomfort and do not transmit serious disease. Wood mites, soil mites, and other harmless mites are completely innocent and do not bite at all. Lice are parasites but a different type requiring different treatment. Bits of dirt, plant material, or debris can sometimes appear tick-like at first glance. If you are unsure whether you have found a tick, a healthcare provider, local health department, or Maryland Department of Health can identify it for you. Even if you do find a deer tick in Maryland, most bites do not result in infection. The presence of ticks does not mean disease is certain. Learn more about identifying dangerous ticks and harmless lookalikes in ourTick in Marylandguide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ticks deadly? Tick bites can cause serious illness, but deaths from tick-borne disease are rare in Maryland with prompt medical treatment. Early antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease is very effective. How common are ticks in Maryland? Ticks are very common throughout wooded areas, especially from May through June. Assume ticks are present during outdoor activities in forests and brush. What attracts ticks to a house? Ticks do not deliberately seek homes but may be carried inside on pets, clothing, or by wildlife. Keeping your yard clear and checking pets regularly reduces indoor tick risk. What should I do if I see a tick on my body? Remove it immediately with tweezers, grasping close to your skin and pulling straight upward. Wash the area, monitor yourself for symptoms, and seek medical care if you develop any signs of illness. For detailed information, visit ourwildlife guidesor the completeTick in Marylandresource for identification, prevention, and safety information.
Plan your tick sighting in Maryland
4,570 verified tick records have been logged in Maryland, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are Ticks in Maryland?+
Yes, ticks are common and well established throughout Maryland, especially in wooded and forested areas. The deer tick, or black-legged tick, is the primary species of concern because it transmits Lyme disease and other serious infections. These small arachnids thrive in Maryland's forests, particularly in the western regions near the Appalachian foothills and throughout central Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay region and its associated wooded areas also host significant tick populations. Maryland has experienced increasing rates of Lyme disease over recent decades as tick populations have grown. The ticks are found from the mountainous western part of the state, through the piedmont region, all the way to the coastal forests. Spring through fall represent the active season, with peak activity occurring in late spring and early summer. Ticks are adapted to Maryland's humid climate and wooded landscape, making them a regular concern for anyone spending time outdoors. Awareness of their presence helps you take appropriate precautions. For more on tick in Maryland, see ourMaryland tick guide.
How Dangerous Are Ticks?+
Tick bites in Maryland can be medically serious because these small arachnids transmit bacteria that cause Lyme disease, a systemic infection affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system if untreated. Other infections, though less common, can also spread through tick bites. The actual risk depends on whether the tick was infected, how long it remained attached, and how quickly you remove and seek care. Most tick bites in Maryland do not result in illness, and many infected ticks are removed before transmission occurs. Lyme disease is highly treatable with antibiotics when recognized early, with recovery rates near complete in most cases. Complications and severe outcomes are uncommon, especially in people who receive prompt medical attention. The danger is real but manageable with swift action. Removing a tick within 24 hours significantly reduces your risk of disease transmission. The key is not to panic but to act decisively: remove the tick, monitor yourself for symptoms, and seek care if any develop. Understanding the actual level of risk helps you stay safe without unnecessary fear. You can also browseMaryland wildlife.
More wildlife in Maryland