Connecting the public to
evidence-based Lyme
disease and tick-borne
illness education,
prevention, and support
Lyme Support Groups
Our in person support group meets in Indianapolis on the first Saturday of each month. Our new virtual group meets on the third Tuesday of each month on Zoom.
Read Our Blog
Check out a variety of articles on tick and Lyme-related topics.
Do you know…
Over 476,000 people are diagnosed with and treated for Lyme disease each year in the US?
A Lyme Discussion with Dr. Kim Lentz, ILC Board Member
ILC’s Board member Dr. Kim Lentz joins WIBC 93.1 FM’s Pat Sullivan & Denny Smith’s Home & Garden Show for Lyme Disease Awareness Month on May 2, 2026. They discussed several topics, including what Lyme disease is, the increased presence of ticks in Indiana, how to correctly remove a tick, signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, diagnostic challenges, and tick prevention tips. Listen to the interview below.
Your Support Matters
Was the information on this page helpful to you? Please consider making a financial gift to Indiana Lyme Connect to enable us to continue our work in providing tick bite prevention and Lyme disease education to citizens, patients, and medical professionals throughout Indiana.
Indiana Lyme Connect is an all volunteer 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit. 100% of your donations advance the mission of ILC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lyme disease present in Indiana?
Yes, though estimating the true incidence of Lyme disease or blacklegged “deer” ticks in Indiana is challenging, blacklegged ticks have been spreading and are now found across all counties in our state. Northwest Indiana counties have the greatest prevalence of ticks, followed by western and southern counties.
Can I have Lyme disease if I don't recall a tick bite/ have a rash?
Yes. Less than 50% of those diagnosed with Lyme disease ever recall a tick bite or a bulls-eye rash (EM rash). But if you have been in tick habitat and develop an expanding bulls-eye rash, that is diagnostic for Lyme disease. However, be aware that not all EM rashes are the classic bulls-eye as they can take on different forms. Learn more
Can I get Lyme disease in the winter?
Yes. Blacklegged “deer” ticks which carry Lyme disease do not die in the winter, but rather “rest”. They become active once the temperatures are above freezing and snow thaw begins looking for a blood meal (which could be you or your dog). Tick prevention measures are needed year round to prevent Lyme disease.
Can I only get Lyme disease if I go into the woods?
No. Blacklegged ticks thrive in moist and humid habitats such as woodlands, vegetation, around the forest edges, and tall grassy fields. They also hang out in coastal grasses and woods near beaches and dunes and are increasingly found in both urban and suburban areas.
Are skin repellents effective enough to prevent tick bites?
In general, most experts agree that the EPA approved skin repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, and IR3535 can help protect you against ticks. However, the science regarding how effective these products are against ticks is not fully settled.
With the known potential devastating effects of tick-borne illnesses and doubt as to the actual fullness of protection from EPA approved products against ticks, ILC recommends that skin repellents be just part of your tick prevention strategy. Wearing tick repellent clothing (permethrin) is a proven and very effective strategy against ticks. See other personal protection strategies.
However, regardless of which skin repellent you choose to use, follow manufacturer labels including reapplication as directed.