The growing tick population poses health risks to Ohio residents, particularly from Lyme disease, which can cause flu-like symptoms, rashes, and long-term complications if untreated. Ticks are increasingly found in residential areas, with over 44% of submissions to the Buckeye Tick Test coming from people's yards. This highlights the need for vigilance in outdoor activities, even in familiar settings. The presence of new tick species, such as the Gulf Coast tick, adds to the complexity of managing tick-borne diseases.