As outdoor activities increase with the warmer weather, tick bites are becoming a significant health concern in the United States. On July 31, 2025, singer Justin Timberlake disclosed that he is among the estimated 476,000 individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. This illness, often transmitted through tick bites, has been described by Timberlake as “relentlessly debilitating.”
The rise in tick-related illnesses is reflected in a marked increase in emergency room visits. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visits related to tick bites have reached their highest level in five years. By July 6, 2025, the CDC noted that emergency department visits for tick bites surpassed nearly a decade’s worth of records for the month of July, with 92 visits per 100,000 individuals reported nationwide. Children aged 0 to 9 and adults over 70 were identified as the most frequent visitors to emergency rooms for these concerns.
Factors Contributing to Increased Tick Activity
Experts attribute the growing tick population and related illnesses to several factors, with climate change being a primary concern. Research from the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center highlights how warmer temperatures allow ticks to expand their range. Mandy Roome, the center’s associate director, explained, “Ticks can now move further north than they could before and establish populations. Going back maybe 15 or 20 years ago, there wasn’t much of an issue.”
Roome noted that milder winters contribute to longer active periods for ticks. “Deer ticks are active anytime it’s over 39 degrees Fahrenheit, so we have a lot longer active periods for ticks now, unfortunately.” The construction and development of land can also create new habitats for rodents, like mice, which are known carriers of tick-borne pathogens.
Cassandra Pierre, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasized that as deer and mice populations grow, so too does the risk of tick exposure. “Longer warmer weather also allows for there to be more exposure to ticks, because people are out more,” she stated.
Understanding the Risks of Tick Bites
Tick bites pose significant health threats due to their ability to carry various diseases. Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites, is one of the most well-known. The CDC also lists other pathogens that can be contracted from ticks, further highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
Those venturing into areas where ticks thrive—such as parks, backyards, or campsites—should exercise caution. While ticks can be a nuisance year-round, they are most active during the warmer months from April through September.
As the summer progresses and more people engage in outdoor activities, the risks associated with tick bites are becoming increasingly apparent. Awareness of prevention methods is essential to safeguard health during this peak season for tick activity.
