Delaware health officials offer safety tips as peak tick season arrives

DELAWARE – With June marking the beginning of peak tick season in Delaware, officials are reminding Delawareans of steps to protect themselves, their families, and pets this summer season.

The Delaware Division of Public Health says a total of 344 cases of Lyme Disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the state, were reported in 2024. The disease is spread by blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, and symptoms can range from fever and fatigue to severe joint pain and neurological issues if left untreated.

The most common tick species in Delaware is the lone star tick, which does not carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, however, they can be infected with bacteria that cause another tick borne disease known as ehrlichiosis.

To avoid tick bites, officials say you can take the following precautionary measures:

• When entering wooded or grassy areas, wear long pants, long sleeves, and tuck your pants into socks to minimize exposed skin. Light colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
• Avoid walking in tall grass, leaf litter, or in wooded or brushy areas. Walk in the center of trails.
• Use insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin and clothing.
• After being outdoors, check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks and immediately take a bath or shower.
• Keep your yard tick free by mowing the lawn regularly, removing leaf piles, and creating a buffer zone with gravel or wood chips between your lawn and wooded areas.

If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine tipped-tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it out gently.