Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Shows Autumn Surge in Deer Ticks

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 -- 2:01 PM

While many people are ready to enjoy the cooler weather while hunting, hiking or pumpkin picking, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute research has shown an autumn surge of deer ticks, which transmit Lyme disease.

That means being tick aware and taking preventive measures while outside this fall. The Tick Inventory via Citizen Science (TICS) is an effort to identify ticks that are found in the Midwest.

This information can be used to assess risk of encountering a tickborne disease and to learn more about who is being exposed to and diagnosed with tickborne diseases.

“Citizen-submitted ticks are one of the most valuable tools we have for tracking tick populations and the diseases they carry,” said Alexandra Linz, Ph.D., Marshfield Clinic Research Institute staff scientist. “Every tick sent in for research helps scientists build a more accurate picture of public health risks and strengthens our ability to protect communities.”

TICS was launched in 2024 under the leadership of Linz and current Sanford Research Senior Vice President and Research Scientific Officer Jennifer Meece, Ph.D. Since then, citizens have submitted more than 15,000 ticks for study.

Originally just in Wisconsin, the study expanded to Bemidji, Minnesota, in 2025 and soon to Fargo, North Dakota. The study’s first significant finding was published in a pre-print paper in May that showed more than half of deer ticks tested by researchers were found to carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

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