Another Brutal Tick Season Could Hit Iowa This Year

We are all excited for Summer 2023, and as Midwesterners, we know that means ticks and other pests will be coming as well. The Midwest has some of the most abundant and diverse populations of ticks across the whole country, and this year may have more ticks than usual.

Many of us are planning trips this year, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out while camping, or hiking.

Sadly predictions have 2023 looking like another brutal year for ticks.

In fact, this year is so bad that multiple health departments are warning for the 2023 tick season,

It’s important to take precautions to protect against diseases that can be transmitted by infected ticks

Tick Diseases

The 'Disease Threat' is as follows: Tick-borne diseases affecting the Northeast include:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• anaplasmosis,
• babesiosis
• tularemia.

According to sources, the last few years have been rough. Last year The Midwest was the only area that will be above the average tick threat. 2021 was one of the worst years Iowa had seen in years. This year multiple areas could be seeing threats.

This winter and spring will likely see temperatures stay around normal, so tick season won’t begin any earlier than its usual late April start. Summer heat, however, is expected to linger, pushing September and October temperatures above average and extending tick season into the fall.

 

Tick Prevention

Some quick tricks are as follows:

• Know where to expect ticks.
• Treat clothing and gear
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent external icon
• Check your clothing for ticks.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.

Make sure you stay safe. You can see more tick prevention tips here.