The Medina County Health Department (MCHD) will provide tick identification for residents of Medina County for ticks that were found on or attached to humans only. 

Once the tick species is identified, we can advise what diseases are associated with that particular tick. Testing of the ticks for the presence of diseases is not a service we are able to provide. In order to have a tick identified, please take the following steps:

  1. MCHD will only accept ticks that were found on or attached to humans, not pets. Please contact your veterinarian if a tick was found on your pet.
  2. The tick must be removed from the person. Please take the following steps to remove it. Try to avoid crushing the tick or destroying it in any way as this makes proper identification difficult. Please seek medical attention if unable to remove the tick.
  3. Ticks must be dropped off at our Environmental Health lobby during business hours, 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday thru Friday. We will not pick up ticks.
  4. Ticks must be kept and transported in a small air-tight crush-proof container such as a pill bottle or baby food jar. If one is not available a sealed plastic bag will suffice.
  5. Place into the container with the tick several drops of rubbing alcohol or an alcohol pad and tightly seal the container. Do not saturate the tick and do not place the tick on tape.
  6. The person dropping off the tick will be required to complete a Tick Identification Submission Form available at the MCHD Environmental Health Division lobby.
  7. MCHD will forward a photograph of the tick to the Ohio Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Laboratory.
  8. An emailed report will be sent to the person listed on the Submission Form, usually within one week. This report will include the species of tick identified, if it was engorged, and what diseases are associated with it.
  9. If you have any medical concerns, please discuss the situation with a doctor. He/she should explain and advise you on the signs and symptoms of tickborne diseases.

Ticks must be dropped off at our Environmental Health lobby during business hours, 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday thru Friday. Call 330-723-9688, option 3 with questions.

For more information:

Tickborne Diseases in Ohio (Ohio Department of Health – ODH)
Ticks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC)