Planning on being outside? Here's how to check and protect yourself from ticks
Health experts are reminding people not to forget about ticks, as tick-borne diseases continue to rise across the U.S.
FILE: Warmer weather causes tick-borne illnesses to rise
Fall’s sunny, warm days and intermittent rain have been ideal for the tick population to thrive in Pennsylvania.
As millions of Americans head outdoors for Fourth of July celebrations, health experts are reminding people not to forget about ticks, as tickborne diseases continue to rise across the U.S.
DEADLY TICK-BORNE DISEASE THAT CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE SPREADING ACROSS THE US
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), tickborne diseases are becoming more common, particularly during the spring, summer and early fall when ticks are most active.
A photo of Amblyomma americanum (Lone star tick). (CDC / FOX Weather)
Health experts have recently warned about an increase in illnesses from ticks, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus.
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The lone star tick has also been linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause people to develop a severe allergy to red meat and other mammal products.
Photo of a Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick). (CDC / FOX Weather)
Health officials have also seen an uptick in the Powassan virus. Although rare, it is especially concerning because it can be transmitted within minutes of a tick bite and may lead to brain inflammation, speech difficulties, seizures and paralysis.
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Not every tick carries disease, but finding and removing one quickly can greatly reduce your risk of becoming sick.
Ticks often crawl on the body for several hours before attaching, giving you a chance to find them before they bite.
A photo of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) (CDC / FOX Weather)
How to protect yourself before going outside
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best ways to protect yourself from tick bites include:
- Avoid wooded, brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter. When hiking, stay in the center of trails.
- Use an insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
- Treat clothing and outdoor gear with products containing permethrin.
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after coming indoors to wash away any ticks that may be crawling on you.
- Tumble dry clothing on high heat for at least 10 minutes after coming inside to help kill ticks.
- Protect your pets with veterinarian-approved tick collars, sprays, shampoos or monthly preventive medications. Pets can carry ticks into your home.
- Perform a full-body tick check using a handheld or full-length mirror after spending time outdoors.
DEADLY TICK-BORNE DISEASE THAT CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE SPREADING ACROSS THE US
An adult deer tick. (Bill Davis / Newsday RM / Getty Images)
How to check yourself for ticks
If you live in or visit an area where ticks are common, it's important to check yourself carefully after spending time outside.
The CDC recommends showering within two hours of coming indoors. As you shower, inspect your entire body using a handheld or full-length mirror.
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Pay close attention to:
- Under your arms
- In and around your ears
- Inside your belly button
- Behind your knees
- Between your legs
- Around your waist
- Along your hairline and throughout your scalp
A photo of Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog tick). (CDC / FOX Weather)
Parents should thoroughly check children, especially around the scalp, ears and neck, where ticks can be difficult to spot.
Don't forget to inspect your clothing, backpacks and pets. Ticks can get inside before attaching to a person later.
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What to do if you find a tick
If you find a tick attached to your body, remove it as soon as possible. In general, the longer a tick remains attached, the greater the chance it can transmit certain diseases.
Since 2012, roughly 200 cases of the Powassan Virus have been reported across the U.S., with fewer than 10 cases reported so far in 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images)
To remove a tick, use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause parts of its mouth to break off and remain in the skin.
After removing the tick:
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, placing it in rubbing alcohol, or sealing it in a bag or container.
- Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Infected ticks warning sign in a forest. Risk of tick-borne and lyme disease. (24K-Production / Getty Images)
When should you call a doctor?
Monitor yourself for several weeks after a tick bite.
Seek medical attention if you develop:
- Fever or chills
- A rash
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Neurological symptoms
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Depending on the type of tick, where the bite occurred and how long it was attached, your healthcare provider may recommend preventive antibiotics or additional testing.