Over the last few years, the number of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York has significantly grown. If you live in New York, it’s important to understand where ticks live, what they look like and how to avoid being bitten.

Ticks carry several dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases. Knowing your risks and understanding how to respond after a tick bite is important for both homeowners and business owners living in New York State. Although they’re more likely in rural areas, tick bites can also occur in the middle of a city.

Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to protect yourself, your family or your clients from tick bites. Use this guide to learn more about tick-borne diseases in New York and how to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tick-Borne Disease in New York

Many people are concerned about tick bites because they can spread Lyme disease, an extremely serious illness. In 2022, New York had the sixth-highest incidence rate for Lyme disease in the United States. That same year, New York had the highest number of cases by far, with more than twice as many as the next highest state.

Tick populations have been rising for several years. From 1991 to 2018, reported cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. have almost doubled. In New York State specifically, there are over 7,000 tick-borne illness cases reported every year.

However, Lyme is only one of several tick-borne diseases in New York. These pests can also spread babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal syndrome, rocky mountain fever and several other illnesses. While some of these illnesses and reactions are rare, they’re all dangerous. Without treatment, some diseases transmitted from tick bites can be fatal. Understanding the risks and taking action to prevent tick bites is key to staying healthy and safe.

Seasonal and Location-Based Risks

Several factors could be contributing to the rise in tick bites. Summers are getting warmer, allowing ticks to be active for longer. Any time the temperature is above freezing, ticks may be active. Increased vegetation and higher numbers of deer in New York also create an ideal environment for tick populations.

If you live in a rural part of New York with plenty of trees, bushes and long grass, you’re more likely to be exposed to ticks. However, even city dwellers can experience ticks at city parks and in their yards, especially if deer frequent the area. Ticks spread wherever they have a habitat and stable food source.

In New York, ticks tend to be most active in the spring and early fall. The most vital months to watch for ticks are March through early May and late August through November. However, ticks are also prevalent and active throughout the summer and even into the cooler months.

Tick Identification and Common Tick Diseases

There are many species of ticks in New York State, and several of them bite humans. However, three species are predominantly responsible for spreading disease through tick bites. These include:

• Black-legged tick: Also known as a deer tick, this species is about the size of a sesame seed when full-grown. The males are dark brown, and the females are brown with a reddish perimeter.
• Lone Star tick: These ticks are roughly the size of a pea. Adult females have a white spot in the middle of their back, hence their name. Lone star ticks are more aggressive than black-legged ticks and actively crawl to find their prey.
• American dog ticks: A little larger than a pea, this kind of tick has a lighter pattern on its back that looks similar to snakeskin. Adult females have a smaller light area right behind their heads. These ticks can spread Rocky Mountain Fever.

Not every tick species carries every kind of disease. If you’ve been bitten, identifying the tick can help you narrow down possible side effects. While not every tick is infected with a disease, a high percentage of them are. Here’s more about the most common tick-borne diseases in New York State.

Lyme Disease

Probably the most well-known disease spread by ticks, Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread through tick bites. This bacteria comes from white-footed mice. Once ticks are infected, they can spread Lyme disease to humans. Black-legged ticks are the only kind known to spread Lyme disease.

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and a bulls-eye rash around the bite anywhere from three to 30 days after being bitten. Over time, Lyme can be completely debilitating. If you have a bulls-eye rash, you likely have Lyme disease. However, not every case of Lyme disease causes this rash.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Some tick bites from Lone Star ticks can cause an immune system response, creating an allergic reaction to red meat. Sometimes, people who have been exposed to alpha-gal may also be sensitive to other animal products like milk. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening.

The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome correlate to other allergic reactions like skin irritation, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis in severe cases. These symptoms usually occur a few hours after someone has eaten red meat.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is transmitted through bites from black-legged ticks. It’s a parasite that infects red blood cells and can cause varying levels of illness. While some people hardly react, others may experience flu-like symptoms or severe complications like a breakdown of red blood cells.

Signs of babesiosis can include fever, chills, headache, body aches and loss of appetite. However, because babesiosis affects everyone differently, symptoms can vary. You’ll likely notice symptoms anywhere from one to four weeks after being bitten by an infected tick.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is another bacterial disease, also spread from bites by the black-legged tick. If you suspect you have this illness, getting treatment quickly is important. Severe cases can be fatal, although anaplasmosis doesn’t cause extreme sickness in everyone.

Symptoms of anaplasmosis include fever, headache, muscle pain, coughing and confusion. See a doctor for testing and treatment if you know you’ve been bitten by a tick and start experiencing these symptoms after one to two weeks.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is an umbrella term for several bacterial diseases that result from tick bites and infect white blood cells. Similar to anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis can be life-threatening if not treated, although this disease isn’t serious for every individual who’s infected.

Common symptoms of ehrlichiosis include fever, headache, muscle aches, confusion and a rash. Symptoms can vary depending on how severely a person reacts to the infection. You’ll notice these symptoms between one to two weeks after being bitten by a tick.

Tick Removal and Treatment

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, removing it as quickly as possible is important. The longer a tick is attached to you, the more likely it is for them to transmit disease and make you sick. Ticks with Lyme disease usually have to be attached for over 24 hours before they can transfer Lyme to you.

Tick Removal Methods

Removing a tick is simple. Use tweezers and grasp the tick closely to your skin. You can run the tweezers under the tick to lift its body up and find where it’s attached to your skin.

With a slow, steady motion, pull the tick up and away from your skin. Avoid twisting or jerking. Your skin will likely pull up with the tick before it lets go. If some of the tick’s mouthparts stay in your skin, you can remove them or leave them to work out like a splinter.

Taking a picture of the tick in case you need to identify the species is a good idea. You can save the tick to be tested or flush it down the toilet. You can also throw it away inside a sealable plastic bag. Ticks are difficult to crush, and they may crawl out of the trash can if not disposed of properly.

Treatment and Medical Attention

After removing a tick, swab your skin with rubbing alcohol. Pay attention to any strange symptoms over the next few weeks. If you start to feel sick, go see a doctor and let them know about the tick bite — this can help you narrow down what’s going on and get treatment faster.

Thankfully, there are several effective treatments for tick-transmitted diseases. Prompt treatment is the best way to prevent long-term harm and ensure a healthy recovery. If you suspect a tick bite has made you sick, don’t wait. See a doctor immediately.

Symptoms Awareness and Response

It’s important to pay attention to how you feel for several weeks after getting a tick bite. You should see a doctor if you start to have flu-like symptoms, a strange rash, nausea or generally feel unwell.

Don’t wait until you’re sure the illness is related to the tick bite before asking for help. If you recently spent time in a wooded area where a tick bite is likely, you should mention that to medical professionals. You may have been bitten and infected without realizing it.

Prevention and Safety Measures

While there are treatments for tick diseases, prevention is the best way to stay healthy. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your clients from illnesses transmitted through tick bites.

Be aware of common tick habitats where you live. As a reminder, you can find these pests in woody areas, long grass and anywhere that deer live. Black-legged ticks tend to climb long grass and wait for a mammal to brush by, allowing them to easily find a target. Lone Star ticks are usually more aggressive, as they actively seek their prey by crawling toward carbon dioxide in search of their next meal.

Working with a professional for pest management services is the easiest and most effective way to keep ticks at bay and protect your New York property. Explore additional steps for reducing the chances of a bite below.

Minimizing Ticks on Your Property

To reduce ticks on your property, there are several maintenance measures you can take. These steps will keep your yard as healthy, beautiful and tick-free as possible. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Keep your grass short
• Trim bushes and brush
• Put up fences to reduce deer
• Choose tick-repellent plants
• Use tick tubes to target ticks on mice

By avoiding plants that attract deer and instead choosing plants that repel ticks like rosemary, mint or lavender, you can help keep your yard tick-free. Insecticides that target ticks on deer and mice are also incredibly helpful. Some families and businesses use gravel or wood chips to create a barrier between nearby woods and grassy areas.

Tick Repellents and Protective Clothing

After spending time outside, always check yourself for ticks — they can be as small as a sesame seed and tend to look for warm, protected areas before biting onto the skin. The longer a tick is attached, the more likely you will get sick.

You can prevent tick bites by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and long socks. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants while you’re outside. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to see if a tick is crawling on you.

If it’s too hot to wear long pants, consider using tick repellents before spending time outside. Some of the best tick-repellent products include the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535

You can also try oil of lemon eucalyptus, although it may not be as effective unless combined with another treatment. Permethrin products are also very effective for keeping ticks away, but you should never spray them directly on your skin. You can apply permethrin to shoes, clothes and camping gear.

Safeguarding Pets and Kids From Ticks

If you live in an area with a high tick population, it’s important to protect your pets and kids from ticks. Playing outside has many benefits and shouldn’t be avoided simply because of the possibility of a bite.

Here are some practical tips to help you protect your pets and kids from tick bites while they’re outside:

• Keep pets away from wooded, brushy areas.
• Put kids in long pants when in the woods.
• Use kid- and pet-friendly tick repellents.
• Check for ticks after spending time outside.
• Act quickly if you find a tick on your pet or child.

Because children and pets are small, they can experience aggravated symptoms from tick bites. It’s very important to prepare them for tick season and check them carefully after they play outside. Examine clothes and pet leashes for ticks as well.

Contact Pestech Pest Solutions for Tick Protection

Pestech Pest Solutions is a pest control company local to Sullivan County, New York. As demand for their high-quality services and personal touch has grown, they’ve expanded to meet the needs of customers across the Hudson Valley and Central New York.

For over 25 years, Pestech has served families and businesses as part of our mission to preserve healthy living and improve human life. We’re passionate about using products that offer the best results for customers and a healthy environment.

Integrity and excellence are hallmarks of our services. We can help you reduce tick populations near your home or business to improve peace of mind and help your family and customers stay healthy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!