06/02/2026
Tick season is a growing summer health concern here in Montgomery County and across Maryland. Emergency department visits for tick bites are sharply increasing this year, and Lyme disease cases statewide have nearly doubled since 2020. With peak tick activity occurring in May and June, it is critical to protect your family and pets when spending time outdoors.
Ticks frequently hide in leaf litter, tall grass, shrubs, and wooded areas. You can significantly lower your risk by acting before, during, and after outdoor activities.
Before you head out:
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
Treat your clothing and gear with 0.5 percent permethrin.
Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.
Use vet-approved tick prevention products on your pets.
While you are outdoors:
Stick to clearly marked paths.
Avoid brushing against tall grass and heavy brush.
After you return indoors:
Check your entire body carefully, paying special attention to the scalp, ears, underarms, waist, and behind the knees.
Do a thorough tick check on your pets.
Take a shower as soon as possible.
Wash your clothing and dry it on high heat.
If you find a tick on your body or your pet, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping it close to the skin. Burning, suffocating (with Vaseline), or squeezing the tick are not effective means of removal and can cause the tick to release more infected saliva into the bloodstream.
Contact your health care provider or veterinarian if symptoms like a rash, fever, or fatigue develop in the days or weeks following a possible bite. Learn more at cdc.gov/ticks.
Montgomery County, MD Government
