Tick bites are surging across the United States, driven by longer summers and milder winters that extend the life cycles of bloodsucking ticks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2024, emergency departments reported 112 tick bites per 100,000 visits during peak season, the highest since May 2019. As tick habitats expand into the Midwest and South, health officials are urging the public to take precautions to prevent bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
The CDC’s Tick Bite Data Tracker, analyzed by Northwell Health in partnership with Stacker, shows ticks thriving in warmer, humid conditions above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2024, the Northeast led with 99 tick bites per 100,000 emergency visits, but the Midwest, particularly Minnesota and Wisconsin, saw the fastest growth in tick populations. Wisconsin’s warmer-than-average winter triggered tick activity as early as February, months ahead of schedule. Rising deer populations, a primary host for deer ticks, have also fueled the spread.
Ticks, eight-legged arachnids related to spiders, attach to warm-blooded hosts like humans, dogs, and cats to feed on blood, potentially transmitting dangerous bacteria through their saliva. Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness, has risen fivefold since the 1990s, with reported cases climbing from 3.74 per 100,000 people to 18.9 in 2022. Adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable. Other diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy, are also linked to tick bites.
“Initial signs and symptoms for most tick-related illnesses include a rash, fever, aches, and pains,” the CDC notes, warning that untreated infections can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system. The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease reported 4,417 tick encounters in the Midwest in 2021, using a photo-submission app to track sightings. Scientists estimate actual Lyme cases may be 10 times higher than reported, partly due to updated 2022 CDC criteria relying solely on lab testing.
To curb exposure, experts recommend avoiding wooded areas, clearing leaf litter from yards, and wearing long sleeves, pants, and boots. EPA-approved insect repellents and permethrin-treated clothing offer additional protection. After outdoor activities, individuals should check clothing, skin, and pets for ticks and shower with hot water within two hours to reduce Lyme risk. “The best way to prevent tick bites is to reduce exposure,” health officials advise, emphasizing thorough self-examinations.
If a tick is found, it should be removed with tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling upward without twisting to avoid leaving mouthparts embedded. The bite area should be cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. To dispose of a tick, soak it in alcohol, seal it in a plastic bag, and discard it in the trash, or flush it down the toilet. These steps minimize the risk of infection and ensure proper disposal.
The rise in tick bites reflects broader environmental changes, with urban areas like overgrown parking lots becoming new habitats. In 2024, the CDC noted increased tick sightings in states beyond traditional hotspots, driven by climate shifts and host population growth. Enhanced screening and awareness have boosted reported cases, but the simplified lab-based reporting system adopted in 2022 has also contributed to higher numbers.
Point Lookout State Park, a popular outdoor destination in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, exemplifies areas where ticks may thrive due to its grassy and wooded terrain. Visitors to such parks are advised to take extra precautions, especially during peak tick season from spring to fall. The CDC’s data underscores the need for vigilance in both rural and urban settings as ticks adapt to new environments.
Health officials stress that proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. By staying informed and following safety guidelines, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing exposure to ticks and their associated health risks.