studies show that there are more ticks, a lot more ticks of all species.

"If you think there are more ticks out there, you are correct. It's not that we're more aware of ticks because they carry Lyme and other diseases; studies show that there are more ticks, a lot more ticks of all species."

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-07-student-track-emerging-tick-borne-disease.html