Summer is made for spending time outside.
Whether you’re hiking a wooded trail, working in the garden, camping with friends, or simply watching your kids play in the backyard, the warm months offer countless opportunities to enjoy nature.
They’re also prime time for ticks.
Across much of the United States, tick activity reaches its peak during late spring and summer. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may cause serious illness if left untreated.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk.
Knowing what to look for—and what to do if you find a tick—can help you enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Why Ticks Matter
Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of animals and people.
As they feed, some species can transmit disease-causing germs.
The most well-known is Lyme disease, but ticks can also spread illnesses such as anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, depending on where you live.
Not every tick carries disease.
And not every tick bite leads to illness.
Still, taking tick bites seriously is an important part of protecting your health.
Where You’re Most Likely to Find Ticks
Many people imagine ticks dropping from trees.
In reality, they usually wait much closer to the ground.
Ticks are commonly found in:
- Tall grass
- Brush and shrubs
- Wooded trails
- Leaf litter
- Overgrown yards
- The edges where forests meet lawns
As people or pets brush against vegetation, ticks can latch on and begin searching for a place to attach.
Even neighborhood parks and backyards can harbor ticks under the right conditions.
Dress for Protection
When spending time in areas where ticks may be present, a few clothing choices can make a difference.
Consider:
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants.
- Tucking pant legs into socks when hiking through tall grass.
- Choosing light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
- Applying an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label directions.
- Staying near the center of trails instead of brushing against vegetation.
These simple steps reduce the chances of a tick reaching your skin.
The Tick Check That Takes Two Minutes
One of the best defenses happens after you come indoors.
Perform a full-body tick check, paying special attention to areas where ticks like to hide:
- Behind the knees
- Around the waist
- Under the arms
- In and around the ears
- Along the hairline and scalp
- Between the legs
Parents should check children carefully, and don’t forget to inspect pets after walks or hikes.
A shower within a couple of hours of coming indoors can also help wash away ticks that haven’t attached yet.
Found a Tick? Don’t Panic.
Discovering a tick can be unsettling.
Fortunately, removing it promptly and correctly reduces the chance of disease transmission.
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with slow, steady pressure.
Avoid twisting, squeezing, or crushing the tick, which can make removal more difficult.
Afterward, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Avoid folk remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, or burning the tick with a match. These methods don’t help and may actually increase the risk of problems.
Watch for Symptoms
Many people never develop illness after a tick bite.
Still, it’s important to monitor your health over the following days and weeks.
Contact a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint aches
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- An expanding rash, especially one resembling a bull’s-eye
Early treatment for many tick-borne diseases is highly effective, making prompt evaluation important.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Dogs and outdoor cats can also pick up ticks.
In addition to protecting their own health, pets can carry ticks into the home, where they may later attach to people.
Talk with your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention, especially if your pet spends time outdoors.
Checking your pet after hikes or time in wooded areas is another simple habit that can help protect the entire household.
Enjoy the Outdoors With Confidence
The goal isn’t to avoid nature.
Quite the opposite.
Walking, hiking, gardening, camping, and spending time outside offer tremendous benefits for physical and mental health.
The key is being prepared.
By wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellent, checking for ticks, and knowing the early signs of tick-borne illness, you can greatly reduce your risk while continuing to enjoy everything summer has to offer.
Nature is one of the best places to recharge.
A little awareness helps make sure your memories of summer are about the adventure—not the tick bite.
