Americans are Concerned About Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases: How to Stay Protected

The National Pest Management Association is spreading awareness of ticks and sharing prevention tips during Tick Awareness Week, May 5-11, 2024.

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It is peak tick season, and with warmer temperatures on the upswing, so are tick populations across the U.S. Ticks are dangerous pests that can transmit disease-causing pathogens at alarming rates. It’s no surprise that 1 in 4 Americans (25%) are concerned about tick bites and tick-borne diseases, according to a recent NPMA survey conducted by The Harris Poll.

“With people heading outdoors this season, it’s important to be vigilant as tick-borne pathogens can be transmitted into a person’s bloodstream in as little as 36 hours after the initial bite,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). As such, NPMA is raising awareness about the threats ticks present to humans and pets during Tick Awareness Week, May 5 – 11, 2024.

May is also Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a common vector-borne disease that nearly half a million Americans are diagnosed and treated for each year, according to the CDC. Fortunately, NPMA’s survey revealed that nearly half of Americans (46%) are aware that ticks can spread different diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, to humans through their bites. However, only 26% of Americans follow prevention techniques when entering tick-infested areas.

To increase consumer awareness, NPMA is sharing prevention tips for tick season:

• When outdoors, use bug spray containing at least 20% DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light in color, so ticks are easier to detect.
• Keep grass cut low, including around fences, sheds and trees, to prevent ticks from hiding in the greenery.
• Before heading indoors, inspect your entire body, clothing, family and pets for ticks.
• Clear overgrown vegetation, especially around the border of your property, to eliminate potential tick habitats.
• If you suspect a tick infestation, contact a qualified pest control professional immediately.

“Encounters with ticks are increasingly frequent nationwide, underscoring the importance of safeguarding yourself, your family, pets, and property from this troublesome pest,” added Dr. Fredericks. For more information on ticks, visit TickTalk.org and PestWorld.org.

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Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 2-4, 2024, among 2,061 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 [e-mail].

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, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube.