The Growing Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases: What Homeowners Need To Know

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise, posing an increasing threat to homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. As climate change expands tick habitats and new pathogens emerge, make sure you understand the risks and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family.

The Alarming Increase in Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick-borne diseases have become more common over the past two decades, with Lyme disease cases more than doubling in the United States. The Northeast has long been a hotbed for tick activity, but these parasites and the diseases they carry are now spreading to new regions.

The Department of Health and Human Services has identified new diseases transmitted by various tick species, including American dog ticks, lone star ticks, brown dog ticks, and deer ticks. What’s more concerning is that some individuals are contracting multiple diseases from a single tick bite, highlighting the complexity of this growing health issue.

A Look at the Numbers

Data from the CDC shows a substantial increase in tick-borne disease cases from 2009 to 2017. The number of reported tick-borne diseases decreased during 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic—this may be partially due to lowered incidence and underreporting during this time. However, in 2022, the reported number of tick-borne diseases was almost 50% higher than in 2019, indicating that the dip was not permanent. Lyme disease remains by far the most prevalent tick-borne illness. These statistics underscore the importance of awareness and prevention.

Emerging Threats

While Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness, the medical community is concerned about several emerging pathogens. Diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus are reported more often now than a decade ago.

One particularly concerning disease is the Powassan virus. Although still rare, cases are increasing. This virus can cause severe brain infections, with a 10% mortality rate and lifelong complications for half of survivors. Currently, no vaccines or specific treatments are available, making prevention the only effective strategy.

Understanding Your Risk

The risk of encountering ticks and contracting tick-borne diseases varies depending on your location and the surrounding environment. The CDC data shows that certain regions face higher risks than others. Recognizing these differences helps you take tailored preventive actions based on your specific locality.

Geographic Distribution

According to the CDC, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey report the most Lyme disease cases, and the northeastern and midwest have the highest incidence of emergency room visits for tick bites. However, remember that ticks and their associated diseases are spreading to new areas, so stay informed and take precautions no matter where you live.

Understanding geographic variability helps with effective prevention. Areas previously not categorized as high-risk may now be facing increased tick populations, underscoring the need to stick to and frequently reevaluate recommended prevention strategies.

Climate Change: Fueling the Tick Invasion

Climate change is expanding tick habitats and diseases. Shorter, warmer winters and extended springs and falls are helping infected ticks survive in previously inhospitable areas.

This climatic shift is expanding ticks’ geographical and prolonging their active seasons, increasing the likelihood of human-tick encounters. Regions once considered low-risk are now seeing a surge in tick populations and associated diseases. These changes make it necessary to rethink personal and community-level strategies for managing tick habitats. 

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

Prevention is your most powerful tool against rising tick-borne disease rates. A multi-faceted approach can significantly reduce your risk of tick bites and infections.

Personal Protection Measures

Proactive personal protection can offer considerable protection in tick-infested areas:

• Proper clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants—ideally light-colored—to spot ticks easily. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to create a physical barrier.
• Insect repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents such as DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing, and reapply as directed on the label.
• Regular tick checks: Do thorough tick checks on yourself, family members, and pets after you spend time outdoors. Focus on warm, secluded areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, and groin.

Landscape Management

Create an environment that discourages ticks to mitigate risks further. Regularly mow your lawn and remove leaf litter. Prune dense foliage and keep gardens well-maintained to reduce tick habitats. Establish a wood chip or gravel border between lawns and surrounding wooded areas to limit tick migration. Remove perimeter brush and weeds and consider fencing or deer-resistant plants to deter deer, a common tick host.

Pet Protection

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can often bring ticks into homes. This makes pet protection a critical component of your strategy. Use vet-recommended tick prevention treatments, including topical medications, tick collars, and oral preventatives, as part of routine pet care. After pets have played outside, check for ticks, focusing on areas around the ears, tail, and between the toes. Remove any ticks with fine-tipped tweezers.

What To Do If You Find a Tick

You may still run into ticks despite your best prevention efforts. Prompt and proper tick removal reduces the risk of disease:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin’s surface.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting to avoid breaking the tick and leaving parts in the skin.
3. Clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, or flushing it down the toilet.

These steps reduce potential exposure to tick-borne pathogens. Remain calm and systematic in your approach to make sure you remove the tick completely.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Not all tick bites lead to disease, but always remain vigilant and monitor for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses. Seek medical care promptly if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden fevers or chills
• Headaches, especially accompanied by neck stiffness
• Muscle or joint pain that persists or worsens over time
• Persistent fatigue beyond ordinary tiredness despite adequate rest
• Rashes, particularly the distinctive bull’s-eye rash associated with Lyme disease

Early detection and treatment of tick-borne diseases can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.