Tick season is shaping up to be worst in a decade

Key Points:

• The 2026 tick season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record, with CDC data showing emergency room visits for tick bites higher than historic averages in most U.S. regions, particularly the Northeast.
• Milder winters, earlier springs, and insulating snowpacks have allowed tick populations to survive and expand, contributing to a longer and more intense tick season.
• The "acorn effect," where abundant acorn production supports larger populations of tick-carrying wildlife like deer and mice, has further increased tick numbers and the potential for disease transmission.
• Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are spreading to new areas and affecting both humans and pets, with some illnesses causing severe complications if untreated.
• Preventative measures include using repellents, wearing protective clothing, performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, managing property to reduce tick habitats, and consulting veterinarians about pet tick prevention.