Rhode Island is the most tick-friendly state in America, a recent study revealed.
"Americans in some parts of the country may be far more likely to encounter conditions that allow ticks to thrive," according to a media release accompanying the study conducted by Canadian equine nutrition company Mad Barn.
"New research has revealed where the combination of Lyme disease prevalence, wooded land and climate creates the most tick-friendly environments," the release said.
The study ranked the 48 contiguous states for Lyme disease incidence per 100,000 people, forested land area, average humidity level and average annual temperature.
"Rhode Island takes first place, driven by the highest Lyme disease incidence in the country, at 254.37 cases per 100,000 residents," the release said.
"Although it does not lead for forest coverage or humidity, 55.89% of the state is wooded, providing ample habitat for ticks," according to the release.
Maine was the second most tick-friendly state, per the study, and Vermont was third.
"On the other end of the rankings, Arizona, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada make up the bottom five," the release said. "Nevada finishes last, combining just 0.42 Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents with 15.04% forest coverage and an average humidity level of 44.10%."
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