Tick-borne diseases are indeed on the rise, and experts weigh in on how humans can fight back against these pesky insects. From developing tick-immune blood to deploying robot tick destroyers, our conversation covers it all. Joining me were four experts: Rick Ostfeld, a senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Holly Gaff, Professor of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University; Jen Wegner, Associate curator of the Egyptian section at the Penn Museum; and Birnur Aral, Executive Director of the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab.
Our discussion touched on various methods to combat ticks. But what’s driving their rise? Rick Ostfeld explains that climate change is a major factor, providing ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. Meanwhile, Holly Gaff highlights the importance of awareness and education in preventing tick bites. Jen Wegner shares insights into the world of tick-borne diseases, while Birnur Aral discusses innovative products designed to keep ticks at bay.
In addition to these expert opinions, we also explored more unconventional solutions – like robot tick destroyers! But is this technology ready for prime time? Our experts share their thoughts on the effectiveness and feasibility of such devices.
Don’t miss our conversation with these tick-fighting experts. Tune in to the podcast or subscribe to The Colin McEnroe Show to stay up-to-date on the latest news and insights.
Source: https://www.ctpublic.org/show/the-colin-mcenroe-show/2025-05-20/why-ticks-are-on-the-rise-and-how-humans-are-fighting-back