How to Protect Yourself From NH's Worst Tick Season in 5 Years

Between the ticks, mosquitos and poison oak/ivy in our backyards, it's a wonder that we ever go outside here in New Hampshire.

Do you remember it being like this when we were kids? I do not, but that's a story for another day.

Ticks are rampant this year. As a matter of fact, according to cbsnews.com, emergency rooms in the Northeast have seen more tick bites this season that at least in the past 5 years.

The Center for Disease Control recorded 229 tick bites for every 100,000 visits to the Emergency room last month. In comparison, in June of 2024, there were only 167 per 100,000 visits.

Here's How You Can Protect Yourself From Ticks

Unless we want to stay inside all the time, we have to figure out how to protect ourselves from these disease-carrying, disgusting blood suckers.

Carry tweezers and band-aids when you go out. If you spot a tick on yourself or someone you love, you'll be ready to pull that bad boy out. If you're old school, like me, you'll also carry a book of matches to burn the little bastard so they wiggle out of your skin. Ew.

Look for rashes on your skin. If a tick has been attached for at least 36 hours, you should call your doctor immediately. They can give you Doxycycline and that will decrease your chance of getting Lyme disease.

Massachusetts Doctor Says the Height of Tick Season May Be Over

There is some good news, according to cbsnews.com. Hot, dry days are expected to continue throughout the Summer, killing tick populations. Peak season for us may be over.