Ticks are tiny. The problems they cause? Not so much.
These tiny arachnids — about the size of an apple seed — spread more vector-borne diseases than almost any other insect. Lyme disease alone is diagnosed and treated in roughly 476,000 Americans each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And recently, emergency room visits for tick bites have been trending higher than usual.
That’s bad news for anyone who passes through the woody, grassy areas ticks call home. But that’s only a problem for hikers, right?
Not anymore.
As deforestation continues and climate change worsens, the animals that carry ticks are showing up in more places, including city parks and neighborhood greenways. So, whether you live downtown or down a gravel road, you’re in tick territory now.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Jump Ahead:
Two ticks cause most of the trouble in the U.S.: black-legged ticks and lone star ticks. Here’s how to tell them apart and why each one matters.
Black-legged ticks (often called deer ticks) are small, flat and dark with black legs — easy to miss unless you’re looking. They’re the main carriers of Lyme disease in the eastern and midwestern U.S. And trust us, you don’t want Lyme disease. Left untreated, it can cause chronic pain, lasting fatigue and cognitive and neurological issues.
In the South, especially in places like Florida, the lone star tick gets more attention. Females have a distinct white dot on their back. This tick is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger allergic reactions to red meat and dairy after a bite. And these ticks aren’t just a rural problem; they can show up in suburbs and even urban-edge environments.
The surest way to avoid tick bites is to stay out of the places ticks live. But what if you go camping, take your dog to the park or do some yard work? What if you just want to “touch grass,” like everyone on the internet keeps telling you to?
You can’t stay inside forever, so take extra care in:
Yes, even city parks. Birds, mice and deer move ticks around more than most people realize.
Ticks are most active from April through September, though they can bite any time it’s above freezing. With climate change resulting in shorter winters, it’s worth being cautious as early as March.
Early summer is especially risky because of nymphs: immature ticks that are tiny and harder to spot but fully capable of spreading disease.
You don’t need a hazmat suit. When venturing into tick territory, wear clothing that makes it harder for ticks to reach your skin:
For extra protection, add repellent:
And when you get home? Shower as soon as you can. It helps wash off ticks that hitched a ride but haven’t latched on yet.
Do a tick check every time you come in from tick territory, and remove any tick you find right away.
This is where things get a little personal. Ticks love warm, hidden spots. Check your:
Get someone to help you check the places you can’t see yourself; this isn’t a time to be shy.
Found one? Don’t panic. Just act quickly. The sooner you remove a tick, the lower your chance of getting sick.
Using fine-tipped tweezers:
After removal, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, then wash your hands thoroughly. Don’t forget to do a full-body check for others.
Not every tick bite leads to illness, but don’t ignore symptoms. Watch for:
If something feels off, don’t wait. Tell your medical provider you’ve had a tick bite. Early treatment is usually straightforward and effective.
Ticks aren’t villains; they’re part of the ecosystem. They feed birds, reptiles and amphibians and help keep wildlife populations in balance. Most ticks are harmless.
The issue isn’t that ticks exist, it’s that our paths are crossing more often. Untangling this mess takes someone with expertise and more than a passing interest in these fascinating creatures.
Want to see the big picture? The University of Florida offers online entomology programs, including a medical entomology specialization that examines the true impact ticks and other insects have on society. Entirely online, our graduate programs allow you to study for the career you want without having to leave the one you have.
Interested? Visit our Programs page and see if our offerings fit your graduate goals. No pressure, just the information you need.
Sources:
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/media/en/healthtopics/emerging_and_vector-borne_diseases/tick_borne_diseases/public_health_measures/Documents/HCP_presentation_lowres.pdf
https://phhp.ufl.edu/2026/05/26/dont-let-a-tick-make-you-sick-how-to-stay-safe-this-summer
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/12/us/urban-ticks-new-york-city-philadelphia-washington.html
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