Today’s Tick Risk in New Hampshire – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- ~1,500 confirmed cases annually
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Steady increase, particularly in southern counties
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Rockingham, Hillsborough, Strafford, Merrimack, White Mountain National Forest trails, Lake Winnipesaukee region, Monadnock State Park area
Current Situation in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's extensive forests, mountainous terrain, and outdoor recreation economy create endemic tick-borne disease conditions across the state. The White Mountains and Lakes Region attract millions of visitors annually, many unaware of the tick risk in New Hampshire. Lyme disease cases have increased steadily since the 1990s, with infection rates now among the highest in the nation. The state's mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, combined with fragmented suburban-rural landscapes, provide ideal conditions for white-footed mice and deer—the primary hosts for blacklegged ticks. New Hampshire's four distinct seasons include warm, humid summers that amplify the tick forecast for New Hampshire, particularly in southern counties bordering Massachusetts.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in New Hampshire, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Where Ticks Hide in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's tick habitats range from coastal salt marshes to high-elevation forests. The most significant risk areas are the hardwood forests and forest-field edges common in southern counties (Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford). These transition zones between residential areas and woodlands create perfect questing sites for ticks. The state's granite bedrock creates well-drained soils that support oak and maple forests—preferred habitat for white-footed mice, which have exceptionally high tick infection rates. Lakeside properties, hiking trails through the White Mountains, and even urban parks in Manchester and Concord harbor substantial tick activity in New Hampshire.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
New Hampshire's nymph season peaks from late May through early July, with the most intense activity in mid-June. This timing coincides with school vacation and early summer hiking season, increasing human exposure. Adult tick activity occurs in two waves: October-November (fall) and March-April (spring), though spring activity is often masked by unpredictable weather. The state's variable spring weather can compress or extend nymph season depending on temperature patterns. Coastal and southern regions experience earlier nymph emergence than the White Mountains region, which lags by 1-2 weeks.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
Ready to see current tick activity in your area? Get today's tick forecast and personalized risk assessment for your ZIP code.
Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in New Hampshire helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Deer Tick / Blacklegged Tick
Ixodes scapularis
Appearance: Dark reddish-brown body with black shield on back. Adults are 3-5mm.
Peak Season: Adults: Oct-May | Nymphs: May-Aug
Habitat: Deciduous forests, shady moist areas, and leaf litter. Loves the boundary between lawns and woods.
Diseases: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan Virus, B. miyamotoi
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
Heading to a lake in New Hampshire?
Live water temperatures and swim conditions for Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Umbagog, Squam Lake, and 4 more.
See New Hampshire lake temperaturesWhen does tick season end in New Hampshire?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in New Hampshire typically arrives around Sep 25. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
New Hampshire first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in New Hampshire?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your New Hampshire mosquito risk profile.
View New Hampshire mosquito forecastStay Safe in New Hampshire
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