Tick bites spike nationwide, experts say pets are usually the gateway

Tick bites are rising across the U.S., with veterinarians noting that most cases begin with pets that pick up ticks outdoors and bring them indoors. Warmer, more humid conditions are boosting tick activity, highlighting the need for pet preventive care, regular tick checks, and prompt treatment for tick-related illnesses in both people and animals, including in areas like Asheville and western North Carolina.