Spring brings warmer weather, but it also means ticks are on the rise. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) wants everyone to stay informed about ticks and the illnesses they can spread, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
In North Dakota, Lyme disease cases doubled last year compared to the previous two years, reaching 37. Ticks that carry Lyme can be found all over the state, especially in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. They are most active when temperatures rise above freezing.
To protect yourself from ticks, HHS suggests a few simple steps:
- Stay in the middle of trails. Avoid areas with tall grass and leaf litter.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent. You can find the right one using the EPA’s search tool.
- After being outdoors, check yourself and your clothes for ticks. Pay attention to places like your hair, ears, underarms, and behind the knees.
- Don’t forget to check your pets daily for ticks. Consult your vet about tick prevention.
If you find a tick that is biting you, remove it right away. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to your skin and pull it straight out. Afterwards, clean the bite area thoroughly and dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.
Watch for symptoms like rash, fever, and muscle aches within 30 days of a tick bite. If you notice any of these, reach out to a healthcare provider.
During the 2025 tick season, North Dakota Tick Surveillance logged 616 American dog ticks and one deer tick from April to July. This information comes from partnerships with local wildlife services and veterinarians, who help with identification and testing of ticks.
North Dakotans can contribute too! If you spot a tick, send pictures and where you found it to NDTicks@nd.gov. This helps HHS track tick types and disease risks in the area.
Awareness is key. Keeping informed can help reduce the chances of tick-borne illnesses. For more tips on prevention and tick-borne diseases, visit HHS North Dakota.
