Maryland • High Awareness
Lone Star Ticks in Maryland: Map, Season, Alpha-Gal Awareness & Prevention
Maryland is within the established Lone Star tick range and among the highest reported AGS-awareness areas in the mid-Atlantic.
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026 · Educational only — not medical advice.
Risk snapshot
Maryland
Maryland is within the established Lone Star tick range and among the highest reported AGS-awareness areas in the mid-Atlantic.
Peak season
April – October
Common habitats
Who should be extra aware
Are Lone Star ticks found in Maryland?
Maryland is within the broader Lone Star tick range. Awareness levels vary by county, and activity is typically highest during april – october. CDC data place Maryland in the high-prevalence mid-Atlantic region for suspected AGS. Residents and outdoor workers should take prevention seriously.
When is tick season in Maryland?
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Maryland is typically April – October. Plan extra prevention during these months — repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and daily tick checks for kids and pets. In warmer regions, ticks can be active longer.
Can tick bites in Maryland be linked to alpha-gal syndrome?
A Lone Star tick bite has been associated with alpha-gal syndrome — a delayed allergy to mammalian meat — in some individuals. Not every bite causes it, and only a licensed clinician can diagnose it. Learn the symptoms or read the alpha-gal guide.
What to do if you find a tick after being outside in Maryland
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a licensed medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Prevention checklist for Maryland
- Use EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks in brushy areas
- Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass and leaf litter
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors
- Do daily tick checks on people and pets during the season
Join the tick-awareness early list
We're building optional seasonal reminders for Maryland. Join the list and we'll email you when they launch.
Sources & local resources for Maryland
- Where Ticks LiveCDC
The Lone Star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest U.S.
- Lone Star Tick SurveillanceCDC
County-level established vs. reported records. 'Established' = 6+ ticks or multiple life stages collected in 12 months.
- Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
- Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — U.S., 2017–2022 (MMWR)CDC / MMWR
Highest suspected-AGS prevalence across a contiguous southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic region; most cases align with the established Lone Star tick range.
- Current and Future Distribution of the Lone Star Tick in North AmericaRaghavan et al., PLOS ONE (2019)
Ecological niche modeling of Amblyomma americanum range and projected northward expansion.
- Find the Repellent That Is Right for YouEPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
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Lone Star tick awareness in Maryland
Peak season: April – October
Maryland tick & alpha-gal FAQ
The questions Maryland residents search for most.
Are Lone Star ticks in Maryland?+
Yes — Maryland is within or near the broader Lone Star tick range. Reports vary by county, and activity is generally highest during april – october.
When is tick season in Maryland?+
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Maryland is typically April – October. In warmer parts of the state, ticks can be active longer into the year.
Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite in Maryland?+
Alpha-gal syndrome has been associated with Lone Star tick bites in regions of Maryland. Not every bite causes AGS. If you develop hives, swelling, stomach pain, or other reactions 2–6 hours after eating mammalian meat, talk to a licensed medical professional.
How do I report or identify a tick I found in Maryland?+
Save the tick in a sealed bag with a moist paper towel, take a clear photo, and contact your state health department or a university extension program. Some accept ticks for identification or testing.
What should I do after a tick bite in Maryland?+
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Related nearby states
Lone Star tick range, peak season, and awareness vary across the U.S.
See all 51 state pages →
LoneStarMap