NYC's Tick Season Is Heating Up—But You Don’t Have to Stay Indoors
Every summer, the same headline reappears across national media:
"How Bad Are Ticks This Summer? Don’t Ask."
The truth? People are asking—and TiCK MiTT has answers.
This year, the New York Times highlighted a surge in tick activity across New York State, with the Fordham Tick Index officially redlining—indicating high risk for tick encounters.
One line from the article stands out:
“If you’re thinking of taking a hike, consider going to a movie instead.”
But here’s the thing: ticks shouldn’t make that decision for you. You deserve fresh air, not fear—and outdoor adventures can still be safe, when you take the right steps.
Why Tick Activity Can Be High in New York
Believe it or not, it starts with acorns.
Tick activity can vary from year to year based on environmental conditions and the availability of animal hosts. In New York, blacklegged ticks are an important concern because they can spread Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses.
And with those ticks comes an increased risk of diseases like:
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Lyme disease
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Babesiosis
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Anaplasmosis
New York continues to report cases of Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses, including babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Tickborne disease risk can vary by location and year, so check current guidance from state and local health departments when planning outdoor activities.
Tick exposure can occur both within New York City and during travel to other areas where ticks are common. Where you spend time outdoors can help you understand your potential exposure.
Do You Need to Avoid the Outdoors This Summer?
Absolutely not.
The NYC Health Department advises taking preventive steps, like:
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Performing full-body tick checks after outdoor exposure
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Talking to your veterinarian about flea and tick repellents
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Understanding that tick-preventive medication doesn't stop your pet from being a “tick taxi”—bringing pests into your home
How to Check for Ticks with TiCK MiTT
After spending time outdoors, make TiCK MiTT part of your post-outdoor tick-check routine. TiCK MiTT is a reusable, chemical-free tick-checking mitt designed to help:
✅ Catch loose, crawling ticks from clothing, skin and pet fur
✅ Find ticks before they attach
✅ Make tick checks easier after hikes, park visits and backyard time
If you find a tick that is already attached, TiCK MiTT is not intended for embedded tick removal. Use an appropriate tick-removal method, such as fine-tipped tweezers or TiCK SiDEKiCK, and remove the tick as soon as possible.
Forget choosing between a dark theater and a sun-soaked trail.
You shouldn’t have to miss out on summer because of tick fear.
Live boldly. Make tick checks part of the routine. TiCK MiTT has your back—and your dog’s too.
