Health experts are urging the public to follow specific safety protocols to avoid tick bites during the peak activity season across North America.
Preventing these bites is critical because ticks can transmit serious illnesses, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. As people spend more time in parks and on trails, the risk of exposure increases.
Tick activity typically spikes in May [1] and continues through the spring and early summer months [1], [2]. Public health officials said high-risk areas range from trails in East Tennessee to regions in Ontario and Toronto [3], [4], [5].
To mitigate these risks, experts Mary Conlon and Shelby Lum said a combination of protective clothing and chemical barriers is recommended [1]. Dressing in long sleeves and pants helps create a physical shield against ticks. Additionally, using effective repellents is a primary line of defense. Health guidance indicates that effective tick and mosquito repellents contain 25 to 30 percent DEET [6].
Performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors is also essential. Ticks often attach to the skin in hidden areas, and early detection and removal can reduce the likelihood of disease transmission. Experts said to check the entire body and pets immediately after returning from wooded or grassy areas [3].
While the peak occurs in May [1], the danger persists throughout the warmer months. Public health officials said that consistent vigilance, combining repellent use with physical checks, is the most effective way to manage the seasonal threat.
“Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”
The emphasis on specific DEET concentrations and timing suggests that public health officials are focusing on standardized prevention to lower the incidence of tick-borne illnesses. As tick populations expand their geographic range across the U.S. and Canada, these preventative measures move from niche hiking advice to essential public health requirements for general outdoor activity.
