ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Officials are seeking help from St. Louis County residents and visitors to capture ticks for monitoring species and prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases.

Tick collection boxes now are located at Lone Elk, West Tyson and Greensfelder where residents can drop off any ticks that they find, according to St. Louis County. 

With early heat waves, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Butterfly House have reported an increase in ticks.

“Every year is a good year for ticks,” said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the Department of Public Health. “While not all ticks carry diseases, about 10% do, making it crucial to take precautions.”

Tick collection boxes are at the trailhead by the visitor center at Greensfelder and Lone Elk. The tick box at West Tyson can be found at the prairie entrance.

Residents also can mail in ticks through the Vector-Borne Disease Prevention (VBDP) program, which works to stop the spread of diseases by mosquitos, ticks and rodents.

Those who want to participate can submit a request online to receive a tick kit.

A kit includes a Neoprene Zipper Tote with Carabiner, and will contain a tick-key, magnifier, tick identification magnet, antiseptic wipes, bandages, repellant wipes, a bookmark on how to check for ticks and a pocket reminder card on tick removal.

For more information, visit the St. Louis County website.