According to the lab's annual report, nearly 70 percent of exposures
occurred in people's backyards. But only 16 percent of people who
submitted ticks took steps to protect themselves. ... Last year, more than 3,500 deer ticks were tested. Of those tested, nearly 42 percent were positive for the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
In fact, it was also a record year for the disease, with 3,218 cases
confirmed in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. So far
this year, 450 cases have been reported to the Maine Center for Disease Control.