BlogLyme Disease Warning: Ticks out in the Maine Woods
Lyme disease is one of those unwelcome surprises that can follow a day spent outdoors here in Maine. Ever come home from a hike and feel like you’re still itching hours later—only to realize it’s not just your imagination? Yep, we’ve all been there. One minute you’re soaking in that fresh pine air, and the next, you’re Googling “tick bite or freckle?” like your life depends on it. It’s not exactly the feel-good topic of summer, but it’s something we Mainers (and folks “from away” too) really need to keep on our radar, especially when we’re hitting the trails, mowing the lawn, or just picking blueberries with the kids out back.
What is Lyme Disease — and Why Should You Care?
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) spread through the bite of an infected black-legged tick—what most of us call deer ticks. They’re tiny. We’re talking sesame-seed tiny. And they like to hang out in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas. Pretty much every inch of Maine wilderness, right?
Early Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms to keep an eye on include:
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A red rash that sometimes resembles a bullseye (but not always!)
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Fatigue
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Fever and chills
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Headaches
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Muscle and joint aches
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious long-term issues like arthritis, nerve pain, and heart problems. It’s not something to brush off weeks after a summer hike.
How to Stay Tick-Safe and Avoid Lyme Disease
Here’s what we do to stay safe during our hikes and outdoor adventures:
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Clothing counts
We wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks (the kids call it “nerd mode,” but they do it anyway), and stick to light colors so ticks are easier to spot. -
Use repellent
DEET or picaridin sprays work great. There’s also permethrin-treated clothing that actually repels ticks. You can find these at local stores like Renys or Marden’s. -
Stick to the trail
Ticks love tall grass and brush, so we stay on marked paths whenever possible. -
Shower and tick checks ASAP
Within two hours of coming indoors, we do a full body scan—hairline, behind ears, armpits, waistband, knees, ankles. It’s become part of our family’s post-hike routine, right alongside grabbing a Moxie and some whoopie pies.
Pro tip: Want a taste of Maine without the bugs? Try our Custom Gift Box—filled with locally made treats and goodies that bring the best of Maine straight to your door.
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Know how to remove ticks
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. Clean the bite area and watch for symptoms. If anything feels off, call your doctor.
Lyme Disease Cases Are Rising in Maine
Did you know the first confirmed Lyme disease case in Maine was reported in the late 1980s? Since then, cases have spread across every county, even reaching island communities like Islesboro. It’s a growing concern, but awareness and prevention can keep us safe.
Embrace Maine’s Outdoors, But Stay Smart
Maine is still Maine. The place where you can wander under towering pines, skip rocks across glassy lakes, and hear loons calling just before dusk. We don’t let the fear of ticks keep us indoors—we just go out smarter.
Whether you’re hiking Katahdin, exploring the family camp in Millinocket, or walking the dog through your backyard, be tick-aware, not tick-afraid.
Planning your next camping trip? You’ll also love our post on What To Know About Fall Camping In Maine—from packing tips to hidden spots once the leaves start to turn.
Want to share the spirit of Maine with someone “from away”? Check out our Build Your Own Box—perfect for hikers, campers, and nature lovers missing the Pine Tree State.
Do you have a tick tip or Lyme disease story to share?
Drop a comment below or reach out on our contact page. If you’re far from home and craving Maine’s woods and wonders (minus the bugs), browse our full collection of gift boxes.
Stay safe and don’t forget the tick check.
—From our family to yours,
Daniel at Box of Maine
