Protect Yourself During Lyme Season

Last updated on April 2025
The weather is warming up, and that means more time spent outside—hiking, gardening, camping, or simply enjoying the sunshine. But along with the beauty of nature comes the need to be vigilant: tick season is here, and Lyme disease risk is on the rise.

In fact, nearly 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease every year in the U.S., making it the most common vector-borne illness in the country.

Understanding the Risk

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis - deer tick) in the eastern and midwestern US and (Ixodes pacificus - western blacklegged tick) in the Pacific coastal US.

While cases are reported nationwide, the highest risk is in:

• New York

• Connecticut

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Maryland

• Wisconsin

• Minnesota

• Virginia

Ticks don’t just live deep in the woods, they can be found in backyards, parks, and even near beaches. They thrive in shady, humid environments with access to mice, deer, and tall grass.

Tick Lifecycle: Why Prevention Matters

After hatching in spring, tick larvae feed on small animals like white-footed mice, where they can pick up infections like Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses (Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma). The following spring, these ticks mature into nymphs, which are responsible for most human infections. Adult ticks take one final blood meal—often from deer—before laying eggs and restarting the cycle.

Tick bites can be hard to notice, often just a small bump, and some people never see or feel the bite. If you notice a bull’s-eye rash, call your doctor right away. This is a clear indicator of Lyme and should be treated promptly with antibiotics.

Early and Later Symptoms of Lyme

Symptoms can appear 3–30 days after a bite or even much later:

Early Signs:

• Fatigue

• Fever or chills

• Headache and muscle aches

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Red expanding rash (bull’s-eye pattern)

If untreated, Lyme can lead to:

• Migrating joint pain and swelling

• Facial palsy or nerve pain

• Cognitive and memory issues

• Irregular heartbeat or dizziness

• Brain or spinal cord inflammation

How to Protect Yourself

• Cover Up

Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes. Choose light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Stay on trails, and avoid brushing against tall grass or leaf litter.

• Use Natural Insect Repellents

Not all repellents are created equal. Dr. Morrison recommends:

Tick Tock Naturals 

• A DEET-free organic repellent with lemongrass, thyme, rosemary, and eugenol oils

• Protects for 4–5 hours per application

• Safe for kids and pets (apply with cloth on animals)

• Apply after sunscreen and avoid face, eyes, and mouth

If using DEET, apply only to outerwear- it's absorbed through the skin and may disrupt hormones when used frequently.

• Support from the Inside Out

**Bug Bouncer by DesBio 

• A homeopathic oral insect repellent made with Staphysagria

• Mimics the scent of delphinium to deter ticks and mosquitoes

• Take 30 minutes before outdoor activity, for 2–3 hours of protection

• Also helps reduce itching and swelling from bites

• Available for patients only—contact our Supplement Department to order

Daily Tick Checks Are Critical

Check yourself, your children, and your pets once a day after being outdoors. Ticks love warm, hidden areas such as:

• Behind ears

• Scalp and hairline

• Under arms

• Groin

• Behind knees

• Belly button

• Waistbands and socks

Also check shoes and gear before heading indoors.

What to Do If You’re Bitten

Act quickly—early removal reduces risk of infection.

1. Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers or a tool like the O’TOM Tick Twister

2. Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water

3. Save the tick in a sealed container or bag

4. Send it for testing via tickcheck.com or tickreport.com

5. Consult a healthcare provider immediately to discuss possible prophylactic treatment

Even if you don’t see a tick, but develop persistent fatigue, headaches, or joint pain, consider getting evaluated for Lyme.

Lyme Testing: Know Your Options

Conventional tests begin with the ELISA, followed by Western Blot if positive. However, these can miss early or complex cases.

Advanced testing options include:

• IGeneX Panels – High-sensitivity testing for Lyme and co-infections

• DNA Connexions – Detects Lyme DNA via PCR

• Galaxy Diagnostics – Leading lab for chronic Bartonella detection

These tests are especially valuable for uncovering chronic or previously missed infections.

Not Sure What to Do Next?

If you're unsure whether to get tested or how to interpret symptoms, our integrative team can help guide you. We offer screenings and treatment plans tailored to your needs.

📞 Call us at 212-989-9828

Prevention, awareness, and early action make all the difference.
Enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared, stay protected, and check for ticks daily.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or cure any disease.

**These products are available online for TMC patients only. If you are not a TMC patient and interested in learning more about it, please call the TMC office at 212-989-9828.