August 06, 2025

Tick Trouble: What a Spike in Bites Means for Us

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more people talking about tick bites. At first, I thought it was just coincidence. A neighbor mentioned pulling one off their dog. Then a coworker said they found one crawling on their sock after a hike. The final straw was when I woke up one morning, scratched my leg, and realized I had a tick attached to me. That got my attention real fast.

Turns out, tick bites are surging in a big way. I did some reading and found that experts are tracking a noticeable rise in bites across the country this year. Whether it's due to warmer weather, milder winters, or increased outdoor activity, the result is the same: more ticks, more bites, and more health risks.

Before this, I didn’t give ticks much thought. I figured they were just a gross annoyance. But now I know they can carry some serious diseases. Lyme disease is the one most people recognize, but ticks can also spread things like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and a few others I can barely pronounce. Some of these can mess with your joints, your nervous system, or even your heart if left untreated.

What really surprised me is how tiny these things are. When I found one on myself, it looked like a speck of dirt. It wasn’t until I saw its little legs move that I realized what it was. Creepy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

I’ve started taking a lot more precautions when I go outside, especially when I’m walking the dog, gardening, or hiking. I wear long sleeves even when it’s hot, tuck my pants into my socks, and use tick repellents that contain DEET or picaridin. I also check myself and my pets from head to toe after coming inside. It feels like a hassle sometimes, but finding a tick early can make a huge difference.

One thing I didn’t expect was how sneaky these bites can be. A lot of people don’t even realize they’ve been bitten. Ticks can stay attached for a day or more, and the longer they’re on you, the higher the risk of disease. I got lucky that I caught mine quickly and didn't show any symptoms, but I still followed up with my doctor just to be safe.

All of this has made me think differently about spending time outdoors. I’m not avoiding nature, but I’m definitely being more mindful. I’ve talked to friends and family about it too, especially those with kids or pets. A little awareness goes a long way.

If you haven’t already, start paying attention to ticks. Check yourself. Check your pets. Ask your doctor about what to do if you find one. The spike in tick bites isn’t just a random blip; it’s something we should all take seriously.

I learned the hard way, but I’m not making the same mistake twice.