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 tick dragging in places where people live, work, and play. 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. Results led to tick warning and education signs on community trails. She continues to tick drag her yard, area parks, and trails, as well as offers tick surveillance and identification workshops for the community.

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

Results aligned with the Virginia Department of Public Health's tick types and stages by the time of year chart (pictured below), and were found year-round.