Emergency rooms across the Midwest have seen a significant increase in tick bite-related visits this year, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing 332 visits per 100,000 in May 2026. Experts advise that while no method provides 100 percent protection, using permethrin-treated clothing and EPA-approved repellents remains the most effective strategy to reduce disease risk.
Rising Emergency Room Visits Across the Midwest
The 2026 tick season has arrived with a surge in medical encounters. According to data reported by the Lawrence Journal-World, the Midwest recorded 137 tick bite-related emergency room visits per 100,000 in April. By May, that figure climbed to 332, placing the region on a trajectory to exceed the 628 visits per 100,000 recorded throughout 2025.
In Kansas, state health officials note that while the frequency of tick-borne illnesses has fluctuated over the last decade, the numbers remain higher than the 2020 low point of 80 cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) tracks several illnesses, including ehrlichiosis—the most common in the state—as well as anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While alpha-gal syndrome is not officially tracked by the state, it remains a growing concern, as the condition can cause a life-changing red meat allergy.
The spike in emergency department visits reflects a broader public health challenge in the Midwest, where changing environmental conditions and shifts in wildlife populations have expanded the habitats of common tick species, such as the lone star tick and the black-legged tick. Public health agencies often characterize these visits as a barometer for regional risk, noting that emergency room data captures only a fraction of the total exposure, as many individuals remove ticks at home without seeking professional medical intervention.
Expert-Recommended Prevention Strategies
Preventing bites requires a multi-layered approach, as no single product offers total immunity. Dr. Sam Telford, a professor at Tufts University, emphasizes the reality of the situation: “There’s nothing out there that will prevent ticks 100 percent,” and adds, “But the name of the game is to reduce the risk.”
Experts consistently point to permethrin as a primary defense. This insecticide is designed to kill ticks on contact. Thomas Mather, director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, explains that treating socks and shoes is particularly effective against nymphs, which are often found closer to the ground. For adult ticks, which typically climb onto prey from knee-height, experts recommend treating pants and shirts as well. Because permethrin binds to fabric fibers, it remains effective through multiple wash cycles, providing a durable barrier that topical skin repellents cannot match.
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When choosing skin-applied repellents, official guidance favors synthetic chemicals over natural alternatives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves products containing DEET or picaridin, which Alison Hinckley, an epidemiologist with the CDC, identifies as “highly effective.” Conversely, Stephen Rich, director of the Laboratory Medical Zoology at the University of Massachusetts, warns that essential oils and other “natural” compounds often marketed for their pleasant scent are largely ineffective. These substances typically evaporate quickly from the skin, leaving the user unprotected within minutes of application.
Managing Bites and Post-Exposure Action
If a tick is found, the timing of removal is critical. Because bacteria—including those that cause Lyme disease—typically require more than 24 hours of attachment to transmit, prompt action is essential. “Just because you get bitten by a tick, doesn’t mean that what’s in that tick goes into you,” Mather says. “Feeding time is very important.”
Proper removal involves using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Experts emphasize avoiding common “folk” remedies, such as burning the tick with a match or covering it in petroleum jelly, as these methods can stimulate the tick to regurgitate pathogens into the bloodstream. Once removed, the tick should be disposed of safely:
- Flushing the tick down the toilet.
- Placing the tick in a container of alcohol.
- Sealing the tick between two pieces of tape.
Beyond individual checks, pet owners are encouraged to maintain regular grooming routines. Susan Nelson of the Kansas State University Hill’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center notes that consistent grooming makes it significantly easier to spot and remove ticks before they migrate to humans. Because pets can act as vehicles that bring ticks into the home environment, veterinarians recommend year-round tick preventatives for dogs and cats. If symptoms such as a rash—particularly the “bullseye” pattern associated with Lyme disease—or unexplained fever develop in the days or weeks following a potential bite, individuals should seek medical care promptly. Early diagnosis is widely considered the most effective way to prevent the progression of tick-borne infections into more serious, chronic health issues.
