Here’s Why There Are So Many Ticks This Summer, Say Experts

It’s already been an extra-eventful summer, between heat waves and locally acquired malaria. Some scientists are urging us not to lose sight of another tiny nuisance that can lead to significant problems.

That is, reports of tick-borne diseases rose 25% between 2011 and 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the CDC suggesting actual disease rates are up to 10 times greater.

Tick populations are booming this summer, says Brian Leydet Jr., PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of epidemiology and disease ecology at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry. “There are year-to-year variations, but in general, that population is increasing,” Dr. Leydet says. “We’re definitely seeing a lot more ticks this year.”

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