Milder winters, like the recent one in New York, have significantly exacerbated the threat of tick-borne illnesses by allowing tick populations to thrive. Without the usual harsh cold to curb their growth, ticks are emerging earlier and in greater numbers, increasing the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus.

Ticks thrive in warm, humid environments. A mild winter means that these pests survive and multiply more efficiently, leading to more frequent human and animal interactions with ticks. This rise in tick activity heightens the risk of transmitting tick-borne diseases, which can range from mild symptoms to severe neurological damage.

Prevention Tips

To counter the growing threat, here are essential preventive measures:

• Use Tick Repellents: Apply EPA-registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing.
• Dress Protectively: Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks when in wooded or grassy areas.
• Check Regularly for Ticks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your body for ticks, focusing on hidden areas like underarms and behind knees.
• Maintain Your Yard: Keep lawns mowed and remove tall grasses and leaf litter where ticks may hide.

As milder winters become more common, tick populations are likely to increase, bringing a heightened risk of tick-borne diseases. Awareness and proactive prevention are crucial to protect against these growing threats.