Ticks may be tiny, but their impact on health can be significant. As temperatures rise, these blood-feeding parasites become more active, increasing the chances of encounters with people and pets. This year, Georgia is experiencing a particularly heavy tick season, likely due to a combination of warmer-than-average temperatures, high humidity, and thriving wildlife populations that provide ample hosts. We spoke with Dr. Tyler J. Achatz, an expert in parasitology and MGA biology faculty member, to learn why tick activity spikes in summer and how you can reduce your risk.
"Like many other animals, ticks become more active in warm conditions. They feed on the blood of hosts such as deer, dogs, and humans. Summer is a time when wildlife is more active, and warm temperatures also encourage more people to engage in outdoor recreational activities. Simply put, this creates more opportunities for ticks to feed and reproduce."
