I had the same anecdotal experience from the North East of the US, maybe once every two or three years one tick - now I can expect to find one anytime I walk in

I had the same anecdotal experience from the North East of the US, maybe once every two or three years one tick - now I can expect to find one anytime I walk in long grass. My thought is the increase in ticks is due to the elimination of widespread DDT spaying, check out this typical scene from 1950's and 60's: http://slideplayer.com/slide/5357033/17/images/22/to+Humans+DDT+-+Powerful+Insecticide,+Harmless.jpg http://slideplayer.com/slide/5357033/17/images/22/to+Humans+... On the positive side, I never saw a hawk or eagle when I was growing up, and they have returned since they are no longer being pressured by insecticide concentration in their food chain. Maybe we could strike a compromise, bomb tick infested areas for a year or two with DDT to knock down the ticks. [edit] A red tailed hawk just perched in the tree outside my window.