Where are blacklegged ticks found in Kansas?

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are primarily found in the eastern regions of Kansas. These ticks thrive in moist environments and often inhabit wooded areas, grasslands, and areas with thick vegetation where they can easily latch onto passing animals or humans.

In Kansas, their distribution is aligned with the eastern three tiers of counties, where the environmental conditions are more suitable for their lifecycle and hosts. This region provides the necessary habitat that supports their populations, including larger concentrations of white-tailed deer and other wildlife that are critical for their reproduction and survival.

Understanding the habitat preferences and distribution of blacklegged ticks is essential for effective pest management and public awareness, especially considering their role as vectors for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.