FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kendall County Health Department
April 27th, 2026
CONTACT
Kristen Orr, korr@kendallcountyil.gov
Kendall County Health Department Provides Update on Lone Star Tick Surveillance
The Kendall County Health Department is sharing updated information regarding the recent detection of Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum) through our ongoing state-supported tick surveillance program. While this species is new to our area, current findings do not yet meet the State of Illinois’ scientific criteria to confirm that the Lone Star Tick is officially established (the tick is reproducing and surviving through multiple seasons) in Kendall County.
Surveillance Findings
Our tick surveillance program is part of a state-run, grant-funded program designed to collect ticks and submit them for disease testing. The program’s purpose is to determine the presence or absence of tick species, not population density. Ticks are collected by completing a “tick drag,” which involves dragging a white cloth across vegetation.
State criteria require one of the following to confirm an established population by the procedure of a tick drag:
- Six ticks of the same life stage, or
- Two ticks in different life stages (adult, nymph, larva)
To date:
- Only two Lone Star Ticks have been found in Kendall County
- Both have been adult ticks
- All specimens have been scientifically confirmed as Lone Star Ticks by The University of Rhode Island.
Given the number of Lone Star Ticks identified in surrounding counties, it is reasonable to assume the species is likely present regionally. However, scientific confirmation for Kendall County has not yet been met.
Important Health Information
- Lone Star Ticks do not carry Lyme disease.
- Lone Star Ticks can spread the following diseases:
- Spring weather conditions - early warmth, humidity, and a mild winter - have been ideal for tick activity across all species.
Prevention Measures
Residents are encouraged to follow the same prevention steps recommended for all ticks:
- Avoid tick-prone areas such as tall grasses and off-trail locations. Stay on marked paths in forest preserves.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
- Use insect repellent containing 10–30% DEET, as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
- Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
- Ticks can be extremely small, sometimes the size of a freckle.
- If a tick is attached, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, and save the tick for identification.
- Dry clothing on high heat after outdoor activities. High heat effectively kills ticks and other insects.
The Kendall County Health Department offers free tick identification services. Residents may submit ticks using the instructions and QR code available at: https://www.kendallhealth.org/departments/environmental-health-services/ticks-identification
Additional Resources
For additional information on Lone Star Ticks and tick-borne diseases, please visit:
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