Tick Trouble: Rising Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases Highlights Need for Prevention

National Pest Management Association Shares Prevention Tips During Tick Awareness Week

With tick season in full swing, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sounding the alarm during Tick Awareness Week, May 4 – 10, 2025, reminding Americans to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. Far more than a nuisance, ticks can transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites.

Despite these risks, half of Americans (51%) aren’t aware that ticks can spread diseases to humans through their bites, according to a recent NPMA survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Even more concerning, 77% don’t know how to remove an attached tick—a critical step in reducing disease transmission.

“Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and a few smart precautions now can go a long way in protecting your health,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. “May also marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a good reminder of tick threats and easy ways to stay safe.”

Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas. To avoid them, NPMA recommends:

• Using insect repellent with at least 20% DEET and wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors in areas where ticks are present.
• Clearing overgrown vegetation and keeping grass trimmed.
• Checking yourself, family, pets, and clothing for ticks before going indoors.
• Contacting a licensed pest control professional if you suspect a tick problem.

For more information on ticks, visit TickTalk.org and PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, X, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 8 - 10, 2025, among 2,099 U.S adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@vaultcommunications.com.

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It’s tick season—time to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. This #TickAwarenessWeek, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages everyone to take simple steps to stay safe from tick bites and the diseases they can carry.