JCVCD collects Western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) during late winter and early spring to monitor populations and test for diseases. Ticks are primarily collected using a technique called “flagging” where a piece of white fabric is pulled over vegetation along hiking trails and roads where ticks are likely to be found. Ticks are then counted and sorted in our lab for testing.
Unfortunately, we are not able to send tick samples from the public for disease testing. Please consult the following links for information regarding tick testing options.