July 27, 2026

Tick Populations Are Increasing-Here’s What You Need to Know

By: J. Thomas Wade
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

July 27, 2026

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Ticks are on the move and this year, they are attacking humans and animals with a vengeance!

As an avid outdoorsman, I find myself constantly trying new sprays and gadgets to ward these pesky, and very dangerous little bugs off but somehow, they always penetrate my layers of defensive techniques.

This year, reports across dozens of states put the tick as having a great year for them, but not so much for the humans and their pets.

Ticks are present in Alabama and are active year-round due to the state’s warm and humid climate. Common ticks include the Blacklegged (Deer), American Dog (Wood), and Lone Star ticks, which thrive in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas are currently thriving in our area.
Tick bites tend to increase during the warmer months, particularly from April to September, and tick-borne illnesses have been reported throughout the year and yes, they can carry the deadly Lyme Disease.

Many hikers and campers enjoy spending time outdoors this time of year, but even those fishing off the grassy banks or areas with overgrowth can find themselves victims of a tick bite.

Primarily in our area, blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) are known to carry the disease and can be found in a host of areas.
My friend, Charles is far from an outdoors man but he loves his backyard grilling and lounging out near his pool from early spring all the way through late November.
Last year he found out that he had been a victim of a tick bite and so had his dog, Erma.
Thankfully, neither suffered any serious consequences from the bites.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are increasing, with emergency department visits for tick bites across the Southeast and they’re reaching their highest level in the past decade.

Health experts recommend wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat while outdoors. They also advise checking for ticks as soon as possible after coming inside, especially after showering.
And that includes your four-legged friends.

In some states, tick bites can also bring with it, spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and STARI,”. All of them can be treated with antibiotics and in rare cases, some people must receive extensive treatment.

Health officials say get to an emergency room immediately if develop symptoms such as fever, unusual fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle aches, or a bull’s-eye rash.

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