MU Extension urges Missourians to take precautions as tick season ramps up

With tick season moving into its peak period, University of Missouri Extension specialists are urging Missourians who work, hunt, fish, garden or spend time outdoors to take extra precautions — including treating clothing and gear with permethrin.

The warning comes as tick activity increases across the Midwest and emergency department visits for tick bites are running higher than normal in many parts of the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, weekly emergency room visits for tick bites have been above historical norms this spring, with rates in most U.S. regions reaching their highest levels for this time of year since 2017.