10/11/2026
Trump is taking aim at ticks and mosquitoes spreading diseases that are making hunters sick and even leaving some unable to eat red meat. President Donald Trump just signed an executive order targeting disease-carrying pests responsible for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, alpha-gal syndrome, and other serious illnesses. For hunters and outdoorsmen who spend countless hours in the woods, this could be a huge deal.
The plan starts in Washington, D.C., where the Trump administration wants to reduce tick populations by 50% and invasive mosquito populations by 90% by 2028. If successful, the goal is to expand these efforts nationwide. Instead of relying entirely on spraying pesticides, the administration wants to explore new technologies, biological controls, and other methods to drastically reduce these disease-carrying pests.
Scientists have already successfully used sterile mosquitoes and beneficial bacteria to dramatically reduce mosquito populations. Some trials have achieved reductions exceeding 90%. Trump’s executive order directs the EPA to develop regulations for these technologies, including genetically modified insects, while prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
But possibly the biggest news for hunters is that the order also directs federal agencies to accelerate research into better Lyme disease testing, prevention, and treatment, along with potential treatments for alpha-gal syndrome. Imagine being able to spend time in the woods without worrying nearly as much about contracting a disease or developing a red meat allergy from a tick bite. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but if this succeeds, it could be a major victory for hunters and everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
— Stephen Ziegler
Outdoor writer | Rack Junkies Podcast
