If it feels like ticks are suddenly everywhere, you're not imagining it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans are visiting emergency rooms for tick bites at the highest rate seen in nearly a decade.
So, what’s behind the surge?
Traditionally, tick activity peaks during the warmer months – from April through September. But in recent years, that window has been stretching. Milder winters mean more ticks are surviving the cold, emerging earlier and staying active longer into the year.
This means the "off-season" for ticks is shrinking.
Learn about CDC data showing weekly ER visits for tick bites higher than usual
What diseases are transmitted by ticks?
Even though ticks are small, they can pose serious health risks.
These tiny parasites can carry a range of disease-causing agents — including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. A single bite can lead to illness, including Lyme disease and several other infections.
In some cases, a bite from certain tick species has even been linked to the development of a red meat allergy. The bite can cause a condition called alpha-gal syndrome, and cases are rising dramatically in the U.S. It’s a reminder that something so small can have an outsized impact, making awareness and prevention even more important.
Read more about tick bites and Lyme disease before you head outdoors
How to prevent tick bites
Ticks are stealthy by design. You’ll often find them along forest edges, perched at the tips of grass or low vegetation. They're waiting to hitch a ride on whatever – or whoever – brushes past.
If you're heading outdoors, especially into wooded or brushy areas, a few simple precautions can help protect you:
- Dress with intention: Choose long sleeves and light-colored, tightly woven fabrics. Not only does this make it harder for ticks to reach your skin, but it also makes them easier to spot. Tuck your pants into your socks, shoes or boots to close off easy entry points.
- Use the right repellent: Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. For added protection, treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. This is effective even after several washes.
- Check yourself – and everything else: When you come back inside, take a few minutes to check for ticks. They can hitch a ride on clothing, pets and bags before eventually attaching to your skin.
- Shower soon after you're home: Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help reduce your risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. It may wash away unattached ticks and gives you a chance to do a thorough tick check while it's still fresh on your mind.
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How to remove a tick
If you do find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Removal is straightforward, but technique matters:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin's surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.
- Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Flush the tick down the toilet. If you’d prefer to have the tick identified, place it in a sealed container or zip-top bag with a small piece of moist cotton or paper towel. Bring it with you to your healthcare provider to be examined.
Check out these tick removal guidelines from the CDC
Should I go to the doctor for a tick bite?
Consider talking to your healthcare provider if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common. Call your healthcare provider if you get any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint swelling and pain
For tickborne diseases, treatment is based on symptoms, history of exposure to ticks and in some cases, blood test results. Most tickborne diseases can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
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Ticks on pets
Pets can easily pick up ticks during time outdoors and bring them right into your home.
Make it a habit to check your pets regularly, especially after a walk or time in grassy or wooded areas. And for longer-term protection, talk with your veterinarian about safe and effective tick prevention products tailored to your pet's needs.
A little extra attention to your pets can help protect them from unwanted tick encounters.
Book an appointment for your pet at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
This blog was medically reviewed by Naomi Hauser, assistant clinical professor of infectious diseases.
