Life Kit It's tick season. Here's how to protect yourself.
30 snips
Jun 19, 2025 
Ping Huang, an NPR health correspondent, dives into the world of ticks, revealing that over 31 million Americans are bitten annually, with some carrying dangerous diseases like Lyme disease. She highlights where ticks thrive and offers practical tips on avoiding them, such as proper clothing and insect repellent. Huang also discusses the critical signs of tick bites and when to seek medical help, making it essential listening for anyone venturing outdoors this summer.
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Ticks' Blood Meal Needs
- Ticks need a full blood meal to progress through their life cycle.
- Humans are not their preferred hosts but get bitten if in the way.
Tick-borne Disease Variety
- Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S. with likely underreported cases.
- Ticks carry various pathogens causing illnesses ranging from mild to serious.
Tick Habitats and Geography
- Ticks mainly inhabit forest edges, leaf piles, wood, and shaded humid areas nationwide.
- The Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest have the highest tick bite rates and Lyme disease cases.