Ticks Are Spreading! Here’s What You NEED To Know

Ticks are on the rise across the U.S. — and so are the diseases they carry. From Lyme disease and babesiosis to Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome, tick-borne illnesses are showing up in new places and more frequently than ever. In this video, I visit the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute to learn why tick populations are booming and how citizen science is helping track their spread. I go behind the scenes of the TICS study (Tick Inventory via Citizen Science) led by Dr. Jennifer Meece, where we explore the lab, head into the field, and dive into what’s really driving this surge — climate change, changing land use, and even global travel. We’ll look at how ticks “quest” for hosts, which species are showing up in surprising new regions (hello, Lone Star tick!), and what you can do to actually protect yourself outdoors. From tick checks to permethrin-treated clothing, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let fear keep you inside — nature is still worth it. Just like sunscreen helps with sunburn, tick safety is about smart precautions, not panic. 👉 Got a tick story or question? Drop it in the comments. 🧪 Visit the TICS study website here: https://redcap.mcrf.mfldclin.edu/redc... Check out the TICK App here: https://tickapp.us/ #ticks #lymedisease #outdoorsafety #citizenscience #tickprevention #hikingtips #alphaGalSyndrome #babesiosis #camping #outdooreducation