Patterns of demographic and behavioral factors associated with tick encounters in Maine (USA) using passive surveillance data

While ecological factors drive tick abundance and pathogen prevalence, human behaviors and demographics can interact with these ecological drivers to shape tick encounter risk. We analyzed 7848 tick submissions and associated survey responses from Maine residents collected from January 2020 through December 2022 via a passive tick surveillance program. We examined the spatial and demographic differences in the use of tick prevention strategies among individuals who submitted tick specimens. We investigated differences in tick encounter frequency across reported property types and human activities and differences in tick attachment sites on the body, based upon human age and tick life stage. We found that personal protection measures were used prior to only 15 % of reported tick encounters, with higher usage reported for ticks found on adults than children and by individuals engaged in high-perceived-risk activities including camping, hunting, hiking, and agricultural work. We also detected spatial differences, with residents of southern regions that generally have higher acarological risk employing preventive measures more frequently than those in northern regions. Tick encounters were commonly reported at participants' residences, often during yardwork/gardening and outdoor play. We noted age-related patterns in bite frequency and attachment sites, with children more frequently bitten on the head and neck and adults on the legs and torso. Across all age classes, immature ticks tended to attach lower on the body. By identifying high-risk areas, vulnerable age groups, predominant tick attachment sites, and gaps in protective practices, our findings can inform the development and implementation of targeted tick protection interventions.