Health professionals are reporting higher tick activity in the Northeastern United States, including in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Experts from Tufts University and SUNY Upstate Medical University say tick bites are above average this year. The increase is mostly due to outdoor activities like hiking and gardening during warmer months. However, scientists say that ticks can stay active in all seasons, not just summer. This makes the risk of infections such as Lyme disease present year-round.

Ticks attach to people or animals and feed slowly, sometimes going unnoticed for several hours. They use small, barbed mouthparts to stay on the skin. Removing ticks within the first 24 hours may lower the chance of getting sick. Health officials advise using tweezers or a similar tool to pull ticks off carefully. Protection methods include wearing long clothing, using repellents with DEET or permethrin, and checking the body often after being outside. Pets should also be checked after outdoor time, especially in places like ears or between toes, where ticks may hide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend tick testing because the results may not be reliable. Instead, they suggest watching for rashes or flu-like symptoms. Getting medical help quickly is important if any signs of illness appear.