If it feels like you’re spotting ticks more often this year—you’re not imagining it. Across the country, from wooded trails in Pennsylvania to the backyards of Texas and beyond, the United States is facing one of the worst tick seasons in recent memory. Veterinarians, landscapers, hikers, and parents alike are raising alarms as the tick population skyrockets—and with it, the danger of tick-borne illnesses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 tick explosion, and more importantly, what you can do to protect yourself, your pets, and your property.
What’s Causing the Surge in Ticks?
The increase in tick populations across the U.S. is being fueled by a perfect storm of environmental and ecological factors, including:
Milder Winters
Shorter, warmer winters allow ticks to survive year-round in many areas. In places where the ground used to freeze solid, ticks are now active even in late fall and early spring.
Wetter Conditions
Heavy rainfall and humidity create ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. Tall grasses, thick brush, and shaded woodlands all hold onto moisture—exactly what ticks need to survive.
Increased Wildlife
White-tailed deer, mice, raccoons, and other animals are booming in suburban and rural areas. These creatures act as mobile hosts, helping ticks spread to new environments, including residential backyards.
Expanding Human Habitats
Suburban development near forests and parks increases human-tick interactions. As we move deeper into natural habitats, ticks are meeting us halfway.
What’s At Risk? Your Health, Pets, and Peace of Mind
With more ticks come more bites—and more tick-borne illnesses.
Common Diseases Spread by Ticks:
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Lyme Disease – A bacterial infection with symptoms ranging from fatigue and joint pain to long-term neurological damage.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – A potentially deadly illness if untreated.
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Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis – Emerging threats that attack the immune system.
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome – A bizarre but growing condition where tick bites trigger a red meat allergy.
Who’s Most Vulnerable?
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Children playing outdoors
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Dogs and cats roaming in the yard
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Outdoor workers (landscapers, farmers, construction crews)
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Campers, hunters, and hikers
Even urban parks and suburban lawns are seeing increased tick activity in 2025.
The 2025 Tick Toolkit: How to Take Back Your Yard
You can’t eliminate every tick, but with the right strategy, you can dramatically reduce their numbers—and lower your family’s risk.
1. Clean Up Tick Habitats
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Mow the lawn regularly
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Clear tall grass, weeds, and brush
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Remove leaf litter and yard debris
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Keep firewood stacks dry and elevated
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Trim back tree branches for sunlight exposure
Ticks love cool, moist hiding spots—don’t give them any.
2. Treat Your Yard with Foggers and Sprayers
Once your yard is cleaned up, spray it regularly to kill ticks and their eggs.
Backpack Foggers
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Ideal for large yards, wooded areas, fence lines, and under decks
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Create a fine mist that clings to leaves and tall grasses
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Reach dense, shaded areas where ticks hide
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Best for treating perimeters and hot zones every 2–3 weeks
Battery-Powered or Pump Sprayers
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Perfect for smaller yards or precise applications
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Great for treating kennels, patios, sheds, and base of trees
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Use tick-specific insecticides labeled for residential use
3. Protect Your Pets
Dogs and cats are easy targets for ticks—and can bring them inside.
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Use vet-recommended flea & tick preventatives
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Check your pets daily, especially after outdoor play
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Wash pet bedding regularly
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Treat your yard, kennel, and areas where pets roam
4. Personal Protection Outdoors
Even if your yard is protected, ticks are everywhere this year.
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Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or working outdoors
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Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
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Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants
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Shower after coming indoors and do a full-body tick check
When to Spray for Ticks
Timing matters. The tick lifecycle includes eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults—and each stage has different vulnerabilities.
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Start spraying in early spring (March–April)
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Continue through summer and fall (October–November)
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Apply every 2–3 weeks during peak season, especially after rain
What Products Should You Use?
Always choose EPA-approved tick insecticides labeled for foggers and sprayers.
Popular active ingredients include:
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Permethrin – Effective for clothing and yard sprays
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Bifenthrin – Long-lasting and kills on contact
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Lambda-Cyhalothrin – Common in perimeter treatments
If you're unsure, consult your local extension office or pest control expert.
Don’t Wait Until It's Too Late
Ticks are no longer just a nuisance—they’re a national health concern. The 2025 tick season is one of the most aggressive on record, but with the right information and tools, you can take control of your space and protect what matters most.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a dog lover, or a landscaper managing multiple properties, investing in a solid tick prevention plan—with regular yard maintenance and the right spraying equipment—can make all the difference.
