The Ticks Are Winning This Year... Unless We Get Smarter 🌿🕷️
I love summer.
The flowers are blooming, the tomatoes are finally taking off, the hummingbirds are busy, and if you know me at all, you know I'm already planning my next backyard barbecue.
Unfortunately, there's one summer trend I could happily do without...
Ticks.
And this year, they're everywhere.
Why Are There So Many Ticks This Year?
If you've felt like you're hearing about ticks more often than usual, you're not imagining it.
Reports submitted to Ontario's eTick program are up by more than 50% compared to this time last year. Around the Hamilton and Toronto regions in particular, researchers say 2026 has been the biggest year they've seen for tick reports.
By late June, more than 9,100 tick sightings had already been reported across Ontario, with over 6,700 found on people.
That's a huge jump in just one year.
Even if you don't live in Ontario, many parts of Canada and the northern United States are seeing expanding tick populations thanks to warmer temperatures and changing habitats.
For gardeners like us, that means we need to be a little more aware every time we head outside.
It's More Than Just an Annoying Bite
Most tick bites are harmless.
But some ticks can carry diseases that are anything but.
The one most people have heard of is Lyme disease, which can cause fever, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and—if left untreated—more serious problems affecting the nervous system, heart, and joints.
Early treatment is usually very effective, which is why finding and removing ticks quickly is so important.
Then there's the one that honestly sounds like Mother Nature playing a cruel joke...
Alpha-gal Syndrome
Some tick bites have been linked to Alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy that can develop after being bitten by certain tick species.
Instead of reacting immediately to the bite, people develop an allergy to a sugar molecule found in the meat of mammals. That can mean allergic reactions several hours after eating foods like beef, pork, or lamb.
As someone who absolutely loves summer BBQ season...
No thank you.
As much as I love my grilled vegetables, I’m not giving up my burgers forever!
My Tick Protection Routine
I've made tick prevention part of my gardening habit.
Here's what I do every time I'm spending hours outside:
Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
Wear long pants when I'm working in tall grass or overgrown areas.
Stay out of brush whenever possible.
Do a full tick check when I come inside.
Shower after spending extended time outdoors.
Check my dog, too—ticks don't discriminate!
None of these things are difficult, but together they make a big difference.
One Product I Never Garden Without
One thing I've genuinely been loving this season is Freedom Field Balm from The Tallowed Truth.
It's become part of my gardening routine before I head outside.
It's made right here in Canada with grass-fed, grass-finished tallow, jojoba oil, beeswax, and a blend of essential oils including cedarwood, geranium, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, balsam fir, and pine.
The scent is fantastic.
Imagine walking through a pine forest with just a hint of fresh citrus. It's earthy, clean, and doesn't smell like the typical bug sprays I grew up using.
The company describes Freedom Field Balm as a natural, plant-based balm that creates a scent barrier bugs tend to avoid. It's important to know that it isn't a pesticide, isn't a drug, and doesn't guarantee protection from ticks or insects.
For me, it's simply one layer in a complete tick-prevention routine—not a replacement for protective clothing or regular tick checks.
A Little Bonus for My Readers 💚
I've partnered with The Tallowed Truth because it's a product I actually use and enjoy.
If you'd like to try Freedom Field Balm, you can use my affiliate link and receive 12% off your order.
If you decide to purchase through my link, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support Juniper's Garden and allows me to keep creating free gardening content.
(And hopefully keep enjoying my summer burgers.)
Find it Here:
Freedom Field Balm: https://www.thetallowedtruth.com/juniper12
Don't Let Ticks Keep You Out of the Garden
The garden is still my happy place.
I'm not about to let a tiny eight-legged pest steal that from me.
Being aware, taking a few simple precautions, and making tick checks part of your routine lets you enjoy everything summer has to offer with a little more peace of mind.
Now if you'll excuse me...
My tomatoes need tying up, my bee balm is putting on a show...
…and there's a barbecue with my name on it.
Just a little heads up, garden friends 🌿 — if you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… which mostly goes toward funding my entirely reasonable plant addiction. 💚