Well, it’s never the conversation we want to have, but sometimes it sneaks up on you when you least expect it—yep, it’s tick season. I was recently reminded of this in the most unpleasant way while caring for a client’s dog. First, one of our Pet Care Associates found ticks. Then another. Then me. And let me tell you, I was not prepared for the sheer number of them.

Now, I’m a Northern California native, so I’ve had my fair share of tick encounters (and the ick factor never gets better). But I had never seen tick madness like this before—every single walk resulted in multiple unwanted hitchhikers. Fortunately, this pup was fully dosed with tick preventative, so none of the little creepers latched on. But still. There’s nothing quite like the major ICK of pulling off a spindly-legged, eight-legged, creepy-crawly thing. So, with spring in full swing and tick season at its peak, let’s go over the ticks found in Santa Cruz County, what to watch for, and how to avoid them (and the ick factor) altogether.

Ticks Found in Santa Cruz County

According to Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control (SCCMVC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the primary tick we need to worry about is the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). These are the spindly-legged, spider-like creatures you might spot if you take your dog hiking in the wooded areas of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A *western black-legged tick* (*Ixodes pacificus*) I recently found after walking a dog in Aptos, CA.

The good news? According to county testing data, only about 1% of adult ticks tested were carriers of Lyme disease. In 2023, there were 13 reported cases of Lyme disease in Santa Cruz County. Considering our county has a population of around 261,000 people, the odds of contracting Lyme disease are very low, especially if you’re not a hardcore outdoor adventurer.

That said, prevention is always key when it comes to avoiding ticks and the diseases they may carry!

What to Do If You Find a Tick (or Get Bit!)

Has anyone read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? My number one rule in life (and in tick situations) is simple: DON'T PANIC.

Graph with mountains and text summarizing the 4 steps to perform if you find a tick on you or your dog — Don’t Panic! Follow these steps if you find a tick on you or your beloved doggo.

Step 1: Remove the Tick

If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, remove it as quickly as possible (preferably within 24 hours). If it’s already attached, don’t panic—just remove it carefully.

Here’s how:

DO use a tick remover (available at most pet stores or online).
DO use tweezers if you don’t have a tick remover, but be careful not to crush or leave parts of the tick behind.
DO NOT use fire, petroleum jelly, or any weird hacks—these can actually make the tick burrow deeper.

Step 2: Dispose of It Properly

Once removed, flush that sucker down the drain. You don’t need to douse it in chemicals—a simple household surfactant like dish soap will do just fine to kill any lingering bugs and prevent them from crawling back from the abyss of your drain or trash can. In fact, dish soap and water are my go-to household cleaning solution because they're environmentally friendly and effective—win-win!

Step 3: Consider Testing

If you’re worried about Lyme disease exposure, you can send the tick in for testing! Just place it in a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and contact Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control:

Phone: (831) 454-2590
Email: pesthelp@santacruzcounty.us
Website: SCCMVC

How to Avoid Ticks in the First Place

1. Avoid Tick Hotspots (or Be Extra Careful!)

Ticks love wooded areas with logs, brush, and tall grasses. If you want to guarantee a tick-free adventure, maybe opt for the dog beaches instead of the redwoods (though, let’s be honest, we all love the redwoods). If you do go hiking, keep your dog on the trail and avoid letting them run through tall grass.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

For humans, long sleeves and long pants are underrated but highly effective. If you're hiking, opt for tall socks and SPF-resistant long sleeves to protect yourself from both ticks and sunburn (win-win!). These simple wardrobe choices significantly reduce your risk of ticks hitching a ride home with you. Personally, I've learned the hard way and now always wear tick-proof gear whenever I hit the trails.

3. Do a Post-Adventure Check

There's nothing worse than feeling something crawling on you in bed at 2:00 AM—trust me. Before heading back inside, check yourself and your pup for ticks. Start with their ears, paws, and nose, then work your way across their body. Ticks can be tiny, so look for anything that resembles dirt or a flea. Follow up with another check later to make sure you didn’t miss any juveniles.

For yourself, do a mirror check, toss your clothes in the washer and dryer (heat helps kill any hitchhikers), and comb through your hair if needed. It's easier without fur, thankfully.

4. Consider Insect Repellent

I generally avoid DEET-based repellents due to potential health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. Do not use DEET-based repellents if you are pregnant or on small children! Instead, try a natural essential oil repellent. If you’re only going out for a short walk, these should work just fine. However, if you’re backpacking or unable to check for ticks daily or wash your clothes, a DEET-based repellent might be worth considering.

For more info on DEET safety, check out MedlinePlus and the EPA's DEET guide.

Signs of Lyme Disease

Graph showing the 3 main symptoms that can happen after a bite from a tick occurs. Seek professional medical advice if these symptoms or other odd unknown symptoms appear! — Consult a veterinarian or medical health professional ASAP if you notice these or any odd symptoms after a tick bite!

While Lyme disease is rare in our area, it’s still good to know the warning signs. If you or your pet experience any of the following after a tick bite, contact a doctor or veterinarian:

Red rash at the bite site (can look like a bullseye, but not always)
Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, muscle aches)
Lethargy or loss of energy in pets

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and nervous system issues, so early detection is key. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical or veterinary care immediately. When in doubt, get checked out!

TL;DR

Western black-legged ticks are the main ones to worry about in Santa Cruz.
Lyme disease is very rare here (~1% of ticks carry it, 13 cases in 2023).
If you find a tick: Remove it ASAP with tweezers or a tick remover, then dispose of it (or send it in for testing!).
Avoid ticks by: sticking to trails, wearing long sleeves, doing post-hike checks, and using natural repellents.
Symptoms of Lyme disease: Red rash, flu-like symptoms, lethargy—seek medical help if needed!

Stay safe and tick-free this spring! 🐶🌿

It’s TICK Season in Santa Cruz!