Over the past several weeks, Carson Valley residents have been sharing an increasing number of reports of ticks on local trails, in neighborhood yards, and on family pets. While ticks have always been part of life in Northern Nevada, many residents say this summer feels different.
One recent post in a local community group began with a simple warning:
"My dog ended up with four ticks after walking on the Martin Slough Trail. We stayed on the paved trail the entire time."
The comments that followed quickly filled with similar experiences.
One resident said their dog picked up five ticks after visiting Jake's Wetland and later developed a swollen lymph node that required an emergency veterinary visit. Others reported finding ticks in their own backyards despite using flea and tick prevention. Several longtime residents commented that this has been one of the worst seasons they can remember.
While these are personal experiences rather than official data, they echo what health experts are seeing across parts of the western United States.
Why Are People Seeing More Ticks?
Tick activity naturally peaks during spring and summer, but experts say milder winters can allow more ticks to survive into the next season, extending the time they're active. Across the West, health officials have also noted increasing emergency room visits related to tick bites and growing concern over tick-borne illnesses.
Nevada health officials advise that the risk of tick bites is highest in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas during the spring, summer, and fall.
Where Are They Being Found?
Based on recent community reports, residents have encountered ticks in places including:
Martin Slough Trail
Jake's Wetland
Residential yards and grass
Areas with taller vegetation or brush
Even if you're staying on established trails, ticks can attach to people and pets after brushing against vegetation along the edge of the path.
How To Protect Yourself
Health experts recommend several simple precautions before heading outdoors:
Stay toward the center of trails when possible.
Wear long pants and tuck pant legs into socks in areas with tall grass.
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing ingredients such as DEET or picaridin.
Shower soon after spending time outdoors.
Perform a full-body tick check, paying close attention to behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms, around the ears, and along the hairline.
What To Do If You Find A Tick
If you discover an attached tick:
Use fine-tipped tweezers.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with slow, steady pressure.
Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Avoid squeezing the body of the tick, twisting it, or using methods such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to remove it, as these techniques can increase the chance of disease transmission.
If you develop a rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, or other concerning symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider.
Don't Forget Your Pets
Dogs often pick up ticks before their owners ever notice them.
Veterinarians recommend:
Keeping pets on year-round flea and tick prevention.
Checking your pet after every hike or walk.
Paying close attention around the ears, neck, between the toes, under the collar, and beneath the tail.
Contacting your veterinarian if your pet develops swelling, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or other unusual symptoms after a tick bite.
A Reminder For Outdoor Season
Carson Valley is known for its miles of trails, open spaces, and easy access to nature, and there's no reason to avoid enjoying them.
But with community reports suggesting ticks are especially active this summer, a few extra minutes spent checking yourself, your children, and your pets after being outdoors may help prevent a much bigger problem later.
Have you encountered more ticks this summer than in previous years? We'd love to hear where you've been seeing them so fellow readers can stay informed.
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Until next time,
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”