With the arrival of warmer weather in the Southern Tier, we aren’t the only ones heading outdoors—ticks are, too. In fact, 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly active year for ticks in New York due to our mild winter.
At Tier Pediatrics, we want your family to enjoy every bit of our beautiful region, from the hiking trails to picnicking at the parks around Binghamton. Here is everything you need to know about staying “tick-safe” this season.
1. Know Your Ticks
In our area, we primarily deal with three types:
- Black-legged (Deer) Tick: The most common carrier of Lyme disease. They are tiny—nymphs can be as small as a poppy seed!
- American Dog Tick: Known to transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (though rare in NY).
- Lone Star Tick: Increasingly common and can cause Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy).
2. Prevention: Your Best Defense
Before you head out to the backyard or the woods, take these steps to keep ticks at bay:
- Dress the Part: Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to create a physical barrier.
- Use Repellent: Use an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
- Repellents containing 20% DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 are effective against ticks and are safe for children when used according to the product label. (Avoid using it on infants under 2 months.) Apply to exposed skin and clothing (not under clothing).
- For an extra layer of protection, treat outdoor gear and clothing with Permethrin (never apply Permethrin directly to skin). It kills ticks on contact and can last through several washes.
- Always read and follow the instructions on the repellent label, especially regarding application frequency and use on children.
- Stick to the Center: When hiking, stay in the middle of cleared trails. Avoid tall grass and leaf litter where ticks love to hide.
3. The Post-Adventure Routine
Once you come inside, the “Tick Clock” starts. Ticks often crawl around for hours before attaching.
- The 10-Minute Spin: Toss outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. This kills any hitchhiking ticks that survived the walk.
- Shower Early: Most experts recommend showering within two hours of coming indoors. This helps wash off unattached ticks and provides a great opportunity for a full-body check.
- The Full Body Check: Check “hot spots” like behind the ears, the waistband, armpits, behind knees, and in the hair.
4. Found a Tick? Don’t Panic.
If you find a tick attached to your child, here is the proper way to remove it:
- Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull Straight Up: Use steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off.
- Clean Up: Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Save the Tick: Place it in a sealed bag or jar. If your child develops symptoms later, having the tick can help with identification.
Note: Skip the “home remedies.” Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat (like a match) to remove a tick. These can actually increase the risk of infection.
When to Call Tier Pediatrics
Most tick bites do not result in illness, but you should call our office at (607) 777-9475 if:
- You cannot fully remove the tick.
- A “bullseye” rash or any spreading red rash appears at the bite site.
- Your child develops a fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain in the weeks following a bite.
We are here to help keep your family healthy and active all season long. If you have concerns about a recent bite, don’t hesitate to reach out!
