Spot a Tick? Help Portage County Health District Track It!

Have you ever returned from a hike and discovered an unwanted hitchhiker—a tick? As more residents explore the beautiful parks across Portage County, it's important to stay vigilant about tick encounters. That’s why the Portage County Health District (PCHD) is proud to introduce two new tools to help monitor tick activity and keep our community informed and safe.

You may have noticed new signs posted at several Portage Park District locations, including Trail Lake Park, Breakneck Creek, Dix Park, Shaw Woods, and Towner’s Woods. Each sign features a QR code that links directly to PCHD’s Tick Surveillance Form. This quick and easy form only takes a minute to complete and does not collect any personal information, just your tick sighting details.

Every completed survey contributes to a live Tick Surveillance Map, available through PCHD’s online Tick Surveillance Dashboard. This tool gathers sightings submitted through the form and the iNaturalist app to show real-time tick activity across Portage County. It is a valuable resource for residents, park visitors, and public health officials alike.

Practicing good tick prevention remains essential. Be sure to wear long pants, apply insect repellent, and stay on marked trails. By sharing your tick sightings, you help alert others and support a healthier, safer outdoor experience for everyone.

It’s also important to understand how ticks behave and how to protect yourself. Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they crawl onto people and animals by "questing," a behavior where they wait on tall grass or plants with their front legs extended to latch on as hosts pass by. Ticks can be active even in colder weather and may be found in unexpected places, not just in wooded areas. To reduce your risk, wear EPA-registered insect repellent, dress in long sleeves and pants, stay in the center of trails, and always check for ticks after being outside.
Awareness about Lyme disease is equally important. It is caused by the Blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. Early symptoms may include headache, joint pain, fever or chills, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. Prompt removal of a tick within 36 hours significantly lowers the risk of infection. To remove a tick properly, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick key, and avoid using fingers, Vaseline, matches, or sharp tools. Once removed, dispose of the tick by flushing it or sealing it in tape. Continue to monitor your health and contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms appear.

Visit the PCHD website and navigate to Environmental Public Health > Mosquito, Tick and Rodent to access the dashboard and learn more. Together we can protect our parks and one another.
Stay alert, stay safe, and happy hiking!

Portage County Health District 
999 East Main Street
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
www.portagehealth.net
330-296-9919