Tick Talk

Making Outdoor Safety a Family Ritual

 

Photography courtesy of TiCK MiTT

As spring returns across the Northeast, weekends become filled with hikes, beach days and time spent outside. But while it is important to embrace the outdoors, ticks are quietly on the rise—especially in hot spots like the Hamptons, Fire Island and the Hudson Valley. Tick-borne illnesses affect hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, and prevention starts well before a bite.

TiCK MiTT believes tick safety should be second nature—just like sunscreen or seat belts. And this year, the brand brought that mission to a national stage with a feature on Season 16 of Shark Tank, helping raise awareness about early detection and simple prevention.

TiCK MiTT was founded by father-daughter duo Steve and Olivia Abrams after Olivia contracted Lyme disease at just 7 years old. A missed tick bite turned into a long health battle—and a mission to make sure other families don’t go through the same. “When I was 7, I had no idea a tiny tick could change my life,” says Olivia. “TiCK MiTT was born from that experience—with the hope that no other child, or parent, has to go through what my family did.”

The solution: a reusable, chemical-free mitt that removes ticks from skin, clothing and pet fur before they embed. Compact, safe for kids and pets, and easy to use, TiCK MiTT makes tick checks part of the everyday routine.

This spring, TiCK MiTT is excited to launch TiCK MiTT KiDS—a child-size version of the signature mitt, designed to help even the littlest adventurers build healthy habits. Whether they’re heading to summer camp, sports practice or backyard playtime, daily tick checks can become a simple, empowering ritual.

Some of the most scenic places in the Northeast are also the most tick-prone. A few places to be extra mindful:

Hamptons:

  • Amagansett & Sagaponack: Dense grasses and nature trails are tick havens.
  • Montauk Trails: Coastal hikes with high brush are especially risky.

Upstate New York:

  • Catskills & Hudson Highlands: Great for family hikes—just bring your mitt.
  • Lake Houses & Summer Camps: Wooded paths and water access make for high activity.
  • Dog Parks: Pets can carry ticks home—check fur after every outing.

Tick prevention doesn’t have to be intimidating. Try these easy habits:

  • Keep a TiCK MiTT in your car or entryway
  • Make nightly tick checks part of your wind-down
  • Toss clothes in the dryer on high for 10 minutes
  • Clear brush and mow tall grass around your home

With consistency and the right tools, you can enjoy the outdoors without worry. Explore more at tickmitt.com and follow along @tickmitt for spring tips and updates. Use special code PURIST15 for 15 percent off.