As warm weather becomes more consistent, many families are spending more time outdoors. While these activities are great for physical and mental well-being, they can also increase exposure to ticks—and the diseases they can carry.

In Ohio, children are among the most affected groups of Lyme disease. In fact, the two age groups with the highest number of diagnoses are youth ages 5–9 and 10–14. This makes awareness and prevention especially important for families with school-aged children.

Tim McDermott, DVM, and Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator from Franklin County, recently shared a helpful YouTube video that addresses common misconceptions about ticks and Lyme disease. In the video, he explains how ticks behave, where they are commonly found, and practical steps families can take to reduce their risk while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or even walking the dog.

The video also covers what to do if you find a tick on yourself, your child, or your pets, along with insights into how ticks can impact livestock and herd health.

Taking a few simple precautions—such as doing regular tick checks, using appropriate repellents, and staying on clear paths—can go a long way in keeping your family safe while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.