2025 Tick and Mosquito Surveillance Season

Published on June 03, 2025

Tiny Terrors, Big Threats: Allegheny County Bites Back Against Ticks and Mosquitoes

PITTSBURGH – As warmer weather returns and outdoor adventures begin, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is urging residents to “Fight the Bite” with the official launch of the 2025 Tick and Mosquito Surveillance Season. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), ACHD is ramping up efforts to protect the public from the health threats posed by ticks and mosquitoes. 

Every week this season, field staff will be actively monitoring tick and mosquito populations across Allegheny County. Residents may notice the health department dragging white cloths through local parks or setting mosquito traps — these important actions help track the risks from disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes.  

From May thru July, blacklegged ticks are responsible for the majority of Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis cases in Pennsylvania. Mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus and other illnesses, especially during peak biting times at dawn and dusk. 

“We’re not asking people to stay indoors — we’re encouraging residents to be smart and safe while enjoying the outdoors,” said Nick Bladauf, ACHD Vector Control Specialist. “Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing bites and the illnesses they can cause.” 

Know the Signs. Take the Steps. Stay Safe. 
ACHD and the CDC recommend the following proven prevention strategies: 

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. 
  • Treat clothing and shoes with permethrin-based products. 
  • Wear long sleeves and pants, especially in grassy or wooded areas. 
  • Check your body for ticks after being outdoors or even in your own yard. Check under arms, behind knees, around the waist, and in hair. 
  • Avoid standing water—even small amounts—in flower pots, toys, or birdbaths, where mosquitoes breed. 
  • Create a tick-safe yard by clearing brush, removing leaf litter, and placing mulch between lawns and wooded areas. 
  • Fix holes in window and door screens to keep bugs outside. 


Your Neighborhood, Your Role 

Thanks to funding from the PA DEP, data collected in Allegheny County contributes to state-wide risk assessments and seasonal alerts. But prevention starts at home. 

Residents who spot potential mosquito breeding grounds — such as standing water — are encouraged to report them to the Housing and Community Environment Program at 412-350-4046 or visiting alleghenycounty.us/housing. 

Let’s Make Summer Safer, Together 

“Ticks and mosquitoes are a part of nature, but the diseases they carry don’t have to be a part of your summer,” said Tim Murphy, Program Manager for ACHD’s Housing and Community Environment Program. “By taking preventive measures and working together, we can keep our communities safe, healthy, and bite-free.” 

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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home. 

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das,
Public Information Officer for the Health Department,
at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.

 

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