Memorial Day weekend kicks off the most tick-active months of the year. Here's everything you need to know — and do — before you head outside.
Memorial Day weekend is here, and that means cookouts, camping, hiking, and quality time in the places we love most. It also means tick season is officially in full swing.
We're not saying this to scare you away from the trail. We're saying it because we want you out there — confidently, safely, and ready. At TiCK MiTT, tick prevention isn't just what we do. It's personal. Our founder Olivia contracted Lyme disease, and that experience is the reason TiCK MiTT exists.
So before you pack the car, let's talk about what's happening this season and what you can do about it.
Why This Year Demands Extra Attention
2026 is shaping up to be one of the worst tick seasons in nearly a decade. Emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest levels since 2017, according to CDC data — and the Northeast, where tick risk has always been highest, is leading the surge. Mild winters have allowed tick populations to grow and become active earlier than usual, which means the window of risk is longer and starts sooner.
And it's not just Lyme disease anymore. Ticks today carry a growing list of pathogens — Lyme, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome (a tick-triggered red meat allergy that's expanding into new states). At least 50% of black-legged ticks in the Northeast are infected with at least one disease agent.
The good news: prevention works. A thorough tick check — done right, done consistently — is still the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your kids, and your pets.
Here's your complete checklist.
Before You Go: Prepare Your Gear
✅ Pack a TiCK MiTT (or two) A TiCK MiTT is a chemical-free microfiber mitt that picks up ticks on contact — before they have a chance to embed. It works on skin, clothing, and pet fur. Toss one in your hiking pack, one in the car, and keep one at home by the door. Many families keep them in every bag and give them as a staple for any outdoor-loving person in their life.
✅ Treat clothing with permethrin Permethrin is an insecticide you spray on clothing, boots, and gear (not skin). It remains effective through multiple washes and is one of the CDC's top recommendations for tick prevention. Apply it at least 24 hours before your trip so it can dry fully.
✅ Wear the right clothing Light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ticks easier to spot and keep them off your skin. Tuck your pants into your socks — yes, it looks a little silly. It works.
✅ Pack insect repellent Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin. Picaridin is a popular choice — it's as effective as DEET and gentler on skin and gear.
✅ Bring a first aid kit with tick tools If a tick does attach, you want to be ready. Include fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, antiseptic wipes, and a small zip-lock bag to save the tick for identification in case symptoms develop later.
On the Trail: Stay Aware
✅ Stay on the center of the trail Ticks don't jump or fly. They "quest" — perching on the tips of grasses and low brush, waiting to grab onto a passing host. Walking through brush or tall grass on the edges of the trail is how most bites happen. Stay in the middle.
✅ Do mid-hike checks Don't wait until you're back at the car. Stop and quickly run your TiCK MiTT over your legs, arms, and clothing every hour or so during long hikes. Catching a tick before it attaches is the goal — and a quick swipe is all it takes.
✅ Check your pets as you go Dogs especially love to nose through brush and tall grass — exactly where ticks are waiting. Give them a quick check with the TiCK MiTT on breaks. Pay special attention to their ears, collar area, between their toes, and under their legs.
Back at Camp: The Tick Check Routine
This is the most important part. The majority of tick-borne diseases require the tick to be attached for 24–48 hours or more before transmission. The faster you find it and remove it, the lower your risk.
✅ Toss your clothes in the dryer first Before anything else, put your hiking clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. Heat kills ticks faster than washing. This is one of the most effective and underused steps in tick prevention.
✅ Do a full-body tick check — on everyone Shower within two hours of coming inside, and do a thorough check from head to toe. Ticks love warm, hidden spots: the scalp, behind the ears, in the hairline, under the arms, around the waistband, behind the knees, and between the toes. Check children carefully — they're lower to the ground and often running through brush.
✅ Run the TiCK MiTT over skin and clothing Even after a visual check, a pass with the TiCK MiTT helps catch tiny nymphal ticks (the size of a poppy seed) that are easy to miss with the naked eye. This is especially helpful on thicker or darker skin where nymphs are hard to spot.
✅ Check your pets top to bottom After checking the humans, do a thorough check of any dogs or cats who came along. Run the TiCK MiTT through their fur, and follow up with a manual check in the spots ticks most often hide: ears, neck, collar area, armpits, groin, tail, and between toes.
✅ Check your gear Ticks can hitch a ride in backpacks, sleeping bags, and camping chairs. A quick sweep of gear with the TiCK MiTT before it comes inside the tent or car keeps them from spreading.
If You Find an Attached Tick
Stay calm. Here's what to do:
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Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
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Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk — the goal is to remove the tick intact.
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Do not use home remedies. Petroleum jelly, nail polish, a lit match — all of these can cause the tick to regurgitate, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Just remove it promptly and cleanly.
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Clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
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Save the tick in a small bag or container with the date noted. If you develop symptoms — fever, fatigue, rash, aching joints — within 30 days, this information will help your doctor.
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Monitor for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if anything develops.
The Bigger Picture: Why Tick Checks Should Be a Habit
We love summer. We love being outside. We love camping, hiking, backyard time, and letting our pets run. Ticks shouldn't take that away from us — and they don't have to.
The tick check routine is something every family can build into their outdoor life. Think of it like sunscreen. You don't skip sunscreen on a sunny day because you assume nothing bad will happen. The same logic applies here.
At TiCK MiTT, we designed a tool that makes this routine easier, faster, and more effective — especially for pets, kids, and those hard-to-reach spots. It's chemical-free, reusable, and goes wherever you go.
Have a safe, tick-aware Memorial Day weekend. Get out there — just check when you come back. 🌲
Stay updated on tick season news and prevention tips by following TiCK MiTT on Instagram @tickmitt and visiting tickmitt.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tick season at its peak?
Tick season peaks between May and August, with June being the single highest month for Lyme disease diagnoses. However, ticks can be active any time temperatures are above freezing, so year-round vigilance is important.
How long does a tick need to be attached before it can transmit Lyme disease?
Most tick-borne diseases require the tick to be attached for at least 24–48 hours before transmission. Some pathogens, like Powassan virus, can transmit in under an hour — which is why finding and removing ticks quickly is so important.
What's the best way to check a dog for ticks after a hike?
Focus on warm, hidden areas: ears, collar area, armpits, groin, between the toes, and around the tail. Run a TiCK MiTT through your dog's fur for a thorough check that catches even tiny nymphal ticks that are hard to see.
Can ticks in my backyard really be a risk?
Yes. ER visits for tick bites are surging even in suburban and backyard settings, not just on remote trails. Anywhere there is leaf litter, tall grass, or wooded edges near your yard is tick habitat.
Is the TiCK MiTT safe for kids and pets?
Yes. TiCK MiTT is completely chemical-free — it works through microfiber texture alone, with no chemicals, dyes, or irritants. It's safe for use on people of all ages and all pet types.
