Wooded river corridors, shaded green spaces, and properties bordering tall grass or dense brush all create favorable conditions for tick activity throughout the warmer months. A warm winter and wet April this year accelerated foliage growth, which gave tick populations an earlier and stronger start than usual. Residents walking dogs, letting children play near wooded areas, or hiking local trails are encouraged to perform thorough tick checks after any outdoor activity. The steady expansion of residential development into previously wooded areas has only increased the number of contact points between people and tick-heavy environments. The same conditions that make these spaces pleasant, shade, moisture, dense vegetation, and wildlife activity, are precisely what sustains tick populations through the warmest months of the year.