Public health
Tick season needs a prevention check now
Verified
May 5, 2026
Strength
94/100 Strong
Primary source
cdc.gov
What changed
CDC still shows tick-bite emergency visits running above normal for this point in the season, while updated Lyme guidance keeps the practical response clear: use EPA-registered repellents, wear protective or treated clothing, check skin and gear, remove attached ticks quickly, and watch vaccine guidance without treating it as available yet.
Why now
CDC updated Lyme prevention and vaccine pages after its April ER-visit alert, making early May a practical moment to prepare before summer exposure rises.
Response kit
Useful recommendations with evidence
Yard tick-risk reduction
CDC lists mowing, clearing tall grass, removing leaf litter, and creating barriers as ways to reduce tick exposure near the home.
Evidence: CDC prevention guidanceEPA-registered tick repellent
CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, OLE, PMD, or 2-undecanone.
Evidence: EPA repellent finderFine-tipped tweezers
CDC says attached ticks should be removed as soon as possible, and clean fine-tipped tweezers work well for removal.
Evidence: CDC after-bite guidancePermethrin-treated clothing or gear
CDC says 0.5% permethrin can be used on boots, clothing, and camping gear, or users can buy pre-treated gear.
Evidence: CDC prevention guidance