"Tick bites are most common in the spring and the summer and the early fall," said Dr. Sarah McGill, a gastroenterologist and professor at UNC School of Medicine.
The CDC estimates just under half a million Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, one of the most common illnesses linked to tick bites.
Hiking and outdoor recreation remain popular activities across North Carolina, but experts say those heading into wooded areas should take caution.
"Really anywhere there is woods in large part and anywhere people are going to recreate into those woods hiking, birdwatching, camping, whatever your thing is. That's probably where we see the most risk," said Michael Reiskind, a professor of entomology at North Carolina State University.
Reiskind said people traveling to the western part of the state should be especially mindful.
"What we're seeing up in the mountains is the emergence of Lyme disease, and the tick that transmits and is becoming more and more common up there," Reiskind said.
Reiskind said acting quickly can make all the difference.
"The sooner you get it off, the better. And a lot of times you can get them before they have bitten you at all," said Reiskind.
Unlike many bugs or insects, ticks often don't enter a home.
"There's always an exception to the rule. But as a rule, ticks are an outdoor concern. You're going to encounter them outside," said Reiskind.
He added that the prevalence of certain types of ticks varies by region of the state.
"The blacklegged deer tick transmits Lyme disease plus a couple of other things. It's pretty distinctive because it's brown with black legs. Around here, which is to say the Piedmont, our most common tick is the lone star tick. That one's easy to tell because the females have one bright white dot right on their back. It also transmits some Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It also transmits the disease called Ehrlichiosis," Reiskind explained.
Health experts advise anyone who has been bitten by a tick to closely monitor for symptoms in the following weeks.
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"If you develop within 30 days of having a tick bite, flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, headaches, feeling really tired, that's indicating a possible tickborne illness," said Dr. Sarah McGill, a gastroenterologist at the UNC School of Medicine.
Further, McGill noted if the tick is very engorged (full of blood) when found and it may be a blacklegged tick, she suggested patients seek care within three days to discuss with your provider taking a prophylactic dose of doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease.
CDC data shows that, so far this year, most emergency department visits for tick bites have been reported in the Northeast and Midwest, followed by the Southeast, West and South Central regions.
"Try to use permethrin treated clothing like permethrin treated socks and pants. Tucking pant legs into socks can create a physical barrier for ticks. When you're out staying in the middle of the trail trying to not get against grasses is key. And then when you come back from the outdoors, really just taking a shower can be very helpful," said McGill.