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NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
By Isabelle Banin
We’re not the only ones who are more active during the warmer months—ticks are too. But ticks remain a threat even into the cooler months—the blacklegged deer tick becomes especially active during the fall. Ticks can also be active during the winter as long as the ground temperatures are around or over 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
At least 15 species of ticks are in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. While only a few of these species transmit disease to humans, the threat that ticks post to our health is increasing. Cases of Lyme disease, the most common tick-transmitted disease in the U.S. and Illinois, almost doubled between 1991 and 2018.
Knowing how to properly avoid, spot and remove ticks is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We gathered the top tick safety tips from public health officials to help keep you on guard against these tiny creatures: