Changing Missouri weather fuels tick populations

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s changing weather patterns are creating more favorable conditions for ticks, increasing concerns for the agricultural community and anyone who spends time in fields, forests or backyards.

Warmer winters, earlier springs and periods of high humidity allow ticks to survive in greater numbers, become active earlier in the year and remain active later into fall, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.