By Amy Ricker, CRNP
When most people think about ticks, they think of summer hikes or camping trips. But the truth is, ticks are a concern for much more of the year than many realize. As a healthcare provider, I see a lot of questions and anxiety around tick bites—when they happen, what diseases they can carry, and what to do if you find one on your skin. Let’s clear that up.
When Are Ticks Active?
Ticks are most active from early spring through late fall, but they don’t follow the calendar perfectly.
Peak season is April through September, with the highest risk months being May, June, and July. It’s also important to know that ticks can remain active anytime temperatures are above freezing, even in winter during mild spells.
In other words, if you’re spending time outdoors—gardening, hiking, walking the dog, or even just enjoying your backyard—you should stay tick-aware for much of the year.
Where Are Ticks Found?
Ticks don’t jump or fly. They wait on grass, shrubs, leaf piles, and wooded areas and attach themselves as people or animals brush past.
Common places people pick up ticks include tall grass and brush, wooded or leaf-covered areas, backyards (especially near trees or fencing), and from pets that go outdoors.
What Should You Do If You Find a Tick?
Finding a tick can be unsettling, but the most important thing is to remove it promptly and properly.
Here’s what to do:
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- Use fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure
- Do not twist, crush, or jerk it
- Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it or placing it in alcohol
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Do not use heat, nail polish, petroleum jelly, or other home remedies to remove a tick. These methods can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Should You Be Worried About Lyme Disease?
Not every tick carries disease, and not every tick bite leads to illness. In many cases, ticks must be attached for 24 to 36 hours to transmit Lyme disease.
That said, it’s important to monitor yourself for symptoms over the next few weeks, including a spreading rash (especially a bull’s-eye–shaped rash), fever or chills, fatigue, headaches, and joint or muscle aches.
If you develop symptoms—or if you’re unsure how long the tick was attached—reach out to your healthcare provider. Early treatment, when needed, is very effective.
How Can You Prevent Tick Bites?
Prevention is always the best strategy. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, perform thorough tick checks after being outside, shower within two hours of outdoor exposure, and check pets regularly.
The Bottom Line
Ticks are a part of life in many areas, especially during warmer months, but they don’t need to cause panic. Knowing when ticks are active, how to remove them safely, and when to call your healthcare provider can go a long way toward protecting your health.
If you ever have concerns about a tick bite or symptoms that don’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you.
