Tick season runs from April to October, and while nearly 100 tick species exist in the U.S., only a few bite humans and spread disease. We asked Atlanta residents how they’re preparing for tick season—and uncovered some surprising insights.
Most Atlanta Adults Have Not Found a Tick
Only 12% of Atlanta residents reported that they or someone in their household had ever found a tick on themselves. This was the lowest percentage among four states surveyed—compared to 53% in North Carolina, 37% in Mississippi, and 38% in Missouri.
Key findings include:
- White residents were more likely to report finding ticks (70%) than Hispanic (22%) or Black (16%) residents.
- Rural households (57%) reported higher tick encounters than urban households (31%).
- In the past year, just 5% of Atlanta residents found a tick on themselves or a family member.
How Are Atlanta Residents Protecting Themselves?
Despite low direct encounters, most Atlantans (64%) are taking action to reduce tick bite risk:
- 45% use tick repellent
- 30% check their bodies after outdoor activities
- 27% shower shortly after coming indoors
These preventive steps are simple but effective ways to stay safe during peak tick season.
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome—and Do Atlantans Know About It?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious allergic reaction to red meat or other mammal products, caused by bites from the lone star tick. It can be life-threatening—and awareness is dangerously low.
In Atlanta:
- Only 18% of adults had heard of AGS—the lowest awareness among all four states surveyed.
- Awareness was higher in Missouri (38%), followed by Mississippi (29%) and North Carolina (22%).
- White respondents (50%) were more likely to be aware than Hispanic (31%) or Black (15%) residents.
How Common Is AGS?
AGS is becoming more common as the lone star tick expands its habitat:
- From 2017–2022, 295,000 people were tested for alpha-gal, and 30% tested positive.
- The CDC estimates 96,000 to 450,000 people in the U.S. may have developed AGS between 2010–2023.
As AGS awareness remains low and tick populations spread, early prevention and education are more important than ever.
Protect Yourself and Your Community
Atlanta residents can take these steps to reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Avoid tall grass and wooded areas
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent
Community organizations are encouraged to help raise awareness and distribute prevention resources.
📊 About This Report
This data is based on a survey of 504 adults across four states, including 75 residents from Atlanta, conducted from May 24–26, 2025.
🔍 Explore more insights at iHeard Atlanta.
