Overview: Mild winters bring an uptick in tick activity during spring and summer. Find out how to protect yourself from tickborne diseases like Lyme disease and how to remove a tick if you discover one on your body.
Tick season has begun early in 2026, with milder winter temperatures causing an “uptick” in tick activity. Nationwide, emergency room visits for tick bites have spiked to their highest in nine years, making prevention especially important.
So, what’s your best defense against these tiny biters? Taking precautions and reducing exposure to ticks will help you avoid Lyme disease, the most common tickborne disease in the U.S.
“If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term neurological damage, arthritis and even heart issues,” said Dr. Robert Mixsell, medical director of MercyOne Genesis Convenient Care.
Where do ticks live?
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. They can’t fly or jump, only crawl. When brushed up against a moving animal, person or object, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climb onto humans or animals.
Outdoor activities like walking your dog, camping, gardening or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. “The two most common ticks in the Midwest are wood ticks and deer ticks. Deer ticks are what we worry about because they can transfer Lyme disease,” Dr. Mixsell said.
How do I avoid tick exposure outdoors?
- Avoid contact with ticks. Avoid wooded and brushy areas, tall grass and piles of leaves. Walk in the center of wooded trails.
- Wear permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Dress for protection: “You want to make sure you wear a hat to keep ticks off your scalp. Wear long sleeves and pants that you tuck into your socks,” Dr. Mixsell said. Wear light-colored clothing to be able to see ticks more easily.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents having DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
- Treat pets for ticks: Dogs are susceptible to ticks and can bring them into your home. Use preventative medication, collars, or sprays and check them often.
What can I do after I come indoors?
- Check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Remember, ticks can come into your home on your clothing, your pets or your gear. Examine coats, pets and backpacks.
- Shower soon after coming indoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can wash off unattached ticks and reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease.
- Tumble dry clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.
- Conduct a full body check, from your scalp to your toes, using a mirror to view all parts of your body. This includes under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, the back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.
“Ticks can attach anywhere,” Dr. Mixsell said. “They can attach between your toes... in your scalp. Make sure you do a full head-to-toe skin evaluation if you've been out in a wooded area.”
What does a tick bite look like?
A tick bite often appears as a small, hard, red, itchy or painless bump, resembling a mosquito bite or pimple. If the tick is still attached, you may see a small black or brown spot (the tick’s head).
Tips for managing a tick bite
- Remove the tick as soon as possible. “You’re safe to do it yourself,” Dr. Mixsell said. “If the tick has been attached for more than 24 to 36 hours, that’s when you probably want to have a provider do it for you.”
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grip the tick as close to the head as possible. Pull straight out, rather than crushing the tick. Don’t twist or jerk the tip and make sure you remove all the parts.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Dispose of the tick in a sealed container, tightly wrapped tape, or in alcohol. Ticks don’t drown easily, so flushing them down the toilet isn’t recommended.
- Other “don’ts”: Don’t crush the tick with your fingers. Don’t use heat, nail polish, or other substances to try and make the tick detach from the skin. This may agitate the tick and force infected fluid into your skin.
- If you develop a rash or fever within several days or a couple of weeks after removing a tick, see your doctor.
Am I at risk for Lyme disease after a tick bite?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. It can range from mild to severe, potentially lasting months to years if not diagnosed or treated promptly. It can occur after being bitten by a tick that stays on your body for more than 24 hours.
Symptoms include:
- Bulleye rash (A red spot with a clear ring around it.)
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
Remember, being prepared and taking prompt action when dealing with tick bites can help reduce your risk of complications.
