Small mites can lead to life-changing illnesses. And this year, mites have been getting quite a bit. what happened?
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As Americans enjoy the warmer climate towards the outdoors, they get tired of mites, small creatures that can communicate many serious illnesses.
Justin Timberlake announced on July 31 that he is one of an estimated 476,000 people diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease each year.
Meanwhile, emergency room visits related to mites bites surged in 2025, reaching their highest level in five years, according to CDC’s Tickbyte Data Tracker.
By July 6, the CDC reported that the number of emergency department visits for mites had already exceeded the July record of nearly 10 years, with 92 visits reported per 100,000 people nationwide. Children ages 0-9 and people over 70 were the most common of these visitors.
Why is this tick season so bad?
Climate change is one of the main factors affecting mites populations, according to experts at the Binghamton University Tick-Borne Disease Center.
“Ticks can move further north than before and establish a population,” said Mandy Room, the centre’s associate director. “Back probably 15 or 20 years ago, it wasn’t that much of a problem. The mites were still around and people still had tick-borne diseases, but that wasn’t a problem now at all. We also have some really mild winters. Deer mites are active whenever they go above 39 degrees.
Room said land use could also affect mites populations. She said construction activities can create new habitats for animals like mice. This allows you to pass mites to pass pathogens.
“Deer, mice – when the range and numbers increase, we will definitely see the expansion of mites,” says Cassandra Pierre, assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Chobanian and Avevedien School of Medicine at Boston University. “And warmer weather also allows for more exposure to the mites as people are getting out there more.”
Why is tick bites dangerous?
Mites can carry several diseases that can infect humans and animals. According to Mayo Clinic, people usually suffer from Lyme disease.
According to the CDC, humans can also contract various other pathogens from mites.
How to prevent mites bites
If you are expecting to be in the area where the mites live, be especially careful when going outside, such as parks, backyards, campsites, etc. Mites can be a nuisance throughout the year, but are most active during the warm months from April to September.
Contribution: Janet Loafke
