Tick Trouble Is SURGING (Here’s How to Stay Safe)
It’s the hottest part of the summer—and even the ticks know it.
Emergency room visits for tick bites are now at their highest levels since 2017, according to the CDC.
And reported Lyme disease cases keep rising, fueled by warming temperatures and humid conditions that allow ticks to spread farther and faster than ever before.
That means you don’t have to be deep in the woods to be at risk.
Backyards, local parks, shady trails—even your garden—can now host these blood-sucking pests.
The scariest part? Many never even realize they’ve been bitten.
Deer ticks, the main carriers of Lyme disease, are tiny—about the size of a poppy seed during their nymph stage—and they’re experts at going unnoticed. They thrive in shady, humid areas with ground cover, and once attached, can transmit the Lyme-causing bacteria directly into your bloodstream.
If left untreated, Lyme can wreak havoc on the body.
Early signs include rash, fatigue, and joint pain, but later stages may cause neurological problems, heart issues, and long-term chronic fatigue.
And while you might hear a lot about the “bullseye” rash, that’s not the most common presentation. Many cases begin with a plain, expanding pink or red rash—or no rash at all.
This summer, the stakes are especially high. Experts say climate change and land use changes are pushing ticks into new areas—including regions where people are less familiar with prevention tactics.
So what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones?
Here are 3 smart, natural steps to stay safe during peak tick season:
1. Dress defensively.
When heading outdoors—especially in wooded or grassy areas—wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing. Tuck pants into socks.
This makes it harder for ticks to find skin and easier for you to spot them. For extra protection, consider treating clothes with permethrin, a natural insecticide that repels ticks and washes out after several laundry cycles.
2. Do a full-body tick check (and shower ASAP).
Ticks love hidden places—behind knees, under arms, in hairlines, or on your back. After spending time outdoors, check your body thoroughly (and your pets!). A quick shower can also help wash off any ticks before they attach.
If you find one, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping near the skin and pulling gently. Never use matches, nail polish, or oils.
3. Create a tick-unfriendly yard.
If you have a yard or garden, keep grass trimmed short and clear away leaves and brush piles where ticks thrive. Place the grandkid’s play areas and seating in sunny, dry spots, and consider using cedar mulch, which naturally repels ticks.
You don’t have to cancel your summer plans—but in this new tick-filled reality, you do need to take smart precautions.
Stay alert, stay dry, and stay covered. Prevention isn’t perfect, but catching ticks early is your best defense against Lyme disease.
To bug-free adventures,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Sun protection starts with your skin’s own allies.
Sources:
Koda, A. (2025, August 5). A warmer, humid world where ticks thrive is increasing spread of Lyme and other diseases. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/05/health/lyme-disease-tick-climate-wellness
