Tick Bites Are Surging in 2026: What You Need to Know

I am typing this sitting on my porch because the weather is just too beautiful to be inside. We've officially reached the transition from spring to summer here in the tri-state, and that means more time spent in the great outdoors.

"Why is nature beautiful, but so uncomfortable?"

We are truly lucky to live in such a gorgeous area with plenty of lakes, trails, camping spots, and more to enjoy. The other day, my son asked, "Mom, why is nature so beautiful, but so uncomfortable?" He's not exactly wrong. It gets hot, you have to watch out for plants that cause rashes, gotta deal with bugs that sting. Or worse!

CDC Issues Statement on Tick Bite Increase in 2026

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control issued a statement about an increase in ER visits related to tick bites for this time of year. The number of people suffering from side effects of those little buggers has reached the highest it has been in almost a decade.

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May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

"In advance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, CDC is urging the public to take steps to protect themselves and their families from tick bites, and the serious diseases they can cause, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome."

Official Tick Bite Tracker

The CDC actually maintains a Tick Bite Data Tracker to see where and when ticks tend to cause more problems. Obviously, with warmer weather and more folks outside, we are going to see more issues, but there are ways to stay protected from the serious problems they can cause.

Tips to Avoid Tick Bites

• Keep your yard mowed and free of trash & debris
• Have your lawn sprayed
• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Tuck pants into socks while in suspect areas
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing and gear or apply it yourself.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
• Check your clothes, pets, gear, body, hair, etc. and shower as soon as you come inside.

DIY Cheap Tape Tick Prevention Trick

I've also seen people wrap duct tape (sticky side out) around their boots so that any wannabe hitchhikers get stuck. Such a great idea! It really works. Click that link above for how to do it yourself. Beware, it may give you the creepy crawlies. Do you have any tips or tricks for avoiding these pests? Send me a message on the App or drop a comment on Facebook.

What to Do When Bitten by a Tick

If you want to learn more about how to create a tick-safe zone at home or what to do if you find a tick on yourself or your family, click here.