Tick Dragging

Tick dragging is a common method used in active tick surveillance. In this process, a weighted cloth is dragged across the ground and then checked for ticks that attach to the fabric (pictured below).  Historically, tick surveillance has most often been conducted in rural environments. These efforts help researchers understand the types of ticks present in different regions and how common they are. However, rural surveillance does not always reflect where people are most likely to encounter ticks in everyday settings. Urban tick surveillance focuses on places where people live, work, and recreate. From 2019–2023, Dr. Hall led urban tick surveillance projects in Central Virginia, collecting ticks from yards, parks, trails, and the perimeters of practice sports fields and playgrounds. 

An alarming number of ticks were found in Central Virginia, where people are likely to live and recreate.  Results led to a partnership with the Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department to install tick warning and education signs on kiosks and trailheads (pictured below).

Results aligned with the Virginia Department of Public Health's current tick stages by the time of year chart (pictured below).