Lyme Disease & Tick Awareness in Maryland What Every Pet Owner and Outdoor Family Should Know

Warm weather in Maryland means more time outside enjoying hiking trails, parks, beaches, backyards, and waterfront adventures with our pets. Unfortunately, it also means tick season is in full swing.

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in Maryland and throughout much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks. (CDC)

Why Maryland Has a High Tick Risk

Maryland’s humid climate, wooded areas, tall grasses, and large deer populations create ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. According to the Maryland Department of Health and the CDC, Maryland is considered a high-incidence state for Lyme disease. (CDC)

Ticks are most active from late spring through early fall, although mild winters can extend tick activity throughout much of the year. Blacklegged ticks are especially common in wooded and grassy environments, leaf litter, trails, and overgrown vegetation. (Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template)

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

One of the most recognized symptoms of Lyme disease is a circular “bull’s-eye” rash called erythema migrans. However, not everyone develops this rash, and symptoms can vary.

Common symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle and joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Rash at the bite site

If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, nervous system, and heart. (CDC)

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets

The good news is that there are several simple steps families can take to reduce the risk of tick bites.

Use Tick Repellent

The Maryland Department of Health recommends EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Clothing and outdoor gear can also be treated with permethrin for additional protection. Permethrin should never be applied directly to skin. (Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template)

Dress for Protection

When spending time outdoors:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants

• Tuck pants into socks

• Choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily

• Stay in the center of hiking trails and avoid brushing against tall grass and shrubs

(Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template)

Perform Tick Checks

After outdoor activities, carefully inspect:

• Behind knees

• Under arms

• Around ears

• Along the scalp and hairline

• Around waistbands and socks

Don’t forget to check pets as well. Dogs can carry ticks into the home, increasing exposure for the whole family. (CDC)

Shower After Being Outdoors

The CDC recommends showering within two hours of coming indoors. This can help wash away unattached ticks and provides another opportunity to perform a full-body tick check. (CDC)

What To Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick attached to the skin:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers

2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

3. Pull upward steadily without twisting

4. Clean the area afterward with soap and water

Experts advise against using nail polish, petroleum jelly, matches, or alcohol to remove attached ticks, as these methods may increase irritation or infection risk. (JHU Lyme Disease Research Center)

According to the CDC, removing a tick within 24 hours can greatly reduce the chance of Lyme disease transmission. (CDC)

Tick Protection for Pets

Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian about year-round flea and tick prevention options. Even indoor pets can occasionally be exposed to ticks brought inside on people or other animals.

Regular grooming and brushing can help detect ticks early, especially after walks, hikes, or outdoor playtime. Pay close attention around ears, neck folds, paws, and under collars.

Enjoy Maryland Outdoors Safely

Ticks may be a growing concern in Maryland, but they shouldn’t prevent families from enjoying the outdoors. Awareness, prevention, and early detection are the best tools for reducing the risk of Lyme disease.

By taking a few simple precautions, Maryland families and their pets can continue exploring trails, beaches, parks, and backyards safely all season long.