Dill speaks with WVII about possibility of fewer ticks in hot weather

Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with WVII (Channel 7) for a report about how this summer’s hot weather might have led to fewer ticks. State researchers said they have seen a decrease in the number of deer ticks this summer and believe it could be because of the above-average temperatures, according to the report. “They remain in the leaf litter, kind of in an attempt to stay as hydrated as possible,” Dill said. “It doesn’t necessarily kill off the ticks, but it certainly reduces their activity, and the decrease in activity can potentially lead to a lower risk of people and pets encountering those ticks.”