Today’s Tick Risk in Wisconsin – 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
- Consistently in top 5 states nationally
- ~3,000+ confirmed cases
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- High endemicity; risk spreading southeast towards Milwaukee
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Washburn, Burnett, Sawyer, Chippewa, Dane, Eau Claire, Door
Current Situation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the entire country, often ranking in the top 5 for reported cases. The tick forecast for Wisconsin is consistently "High" to "Severe" across the northern and western two-thirds of the state. The blacklegged tick is native and ubiquitous in the North Woods. Wisconsin was one of the first states where Lyme disease was recognized, and it remains a hotbed for the disease, as well as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and the emerging, deadly Powassan virus. The risk has been slowly creeping southeast, threatening the population centers of Madison and Milwaukee.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Wisconsin, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Where Ticks Hide in Wisconsin
The North Woods of Wisconsin are the epicenter of the Midwest's tick problem. These vast, mixed forests of maple, aspen, and pine provide the perfect humid, shady environment for ticks to thrive. The "Driftless Area" in the southwest, with its deep valleys and wooded ridges, is also high-risk. Even suburban areas around Madison and Eau Claire have significant tick populations in parks, arboretums, and greenways. Ticks are less common in the open agricultural fields of the southeast but can be found in any woodlot.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
Wisconsin sees a very sharp peak in nymphal tick activity in June and July—this is when most infections occur because the nymphs are so small and hard to detect. Adult ticks are active in the fall (during deer hunting season) and early spring. The harsh winters generally suppress activity from January to March, but the "spring emergence" in April/May can be sudden and intense. Residents know to check for ticks after every walk in the woods.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Live water temperatures and swim conditions for Lake Geneva, Lake Winnebago.
See Wisconsin lake temperaturesWhen does tick season end in Wisconsin?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Wisconsin typically arrives around Oct 2. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Wisconsin first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Wisconsin?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Wisconsin mosquito risk profile.
View Wisconsin mosquito forecastStay Safe in Wisconsin
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