Types of Ticks in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County?
There are a number of species of ticks common to New Jersey, each varying in their behavior. The degree to which ticks will travel from their questing locations also varies, however ticks are most likely to be encountered along grass lines, forest lines and animal paths.
Continue reading to learn more about the types of ticks in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County, or contact Cowleys Pest Services now to learn more about our proven tick reduction program in New Jersey - schedule your no-obligation evaluation and estimate!
American Dog Tick
American Dog Ticks are the most frequently encountered tick and are the most likely tick to be found on both pets and humans. These ticks are very active and will travel from their questing locations into manicured areas. These ticks will readily use humans as a host and capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Brown Dog Tick
Brown Dog Ticks pose a unique concern for dog owners, as they are predominantly associated with canine hosts and infest indoor environments. Unlike other tick species, Brown Dog Ticks have a tendency to leave their host and establish infestations within homes. These ticks are commonly discovered indoors, nestled in cracks and crevices throughout the house.
Pets, particularly dogs, often introduce Brown Dog Ticks into homes after visiting infested areas like veterinary clinics or kennels. Additionally, dogs may pick up these ticks while outdoors, especially in kennels or resting areas.
Addressing Brown Dog Tick infestations requires comprehensive pest control measures tailored to both indoor and outdoor environments, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding pets and homes against these persistent pests.
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks are very aggressive ticks and will actively travel from their questing locations into manicured areas. Lone star ticks are commonly found on a wide variety of animals, including humans. These ticks are capable of transmitting Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia.
Deer Tick
Deer ticks are the primary tick responsible for the transmission of Lyme disease. These ticks do not travel far from their questing locations and are usually encountered during recreational activities in the woods or in meadows.
Where are ticks found?
You might be surprised to learn that ticks are closer than you think - right in your own backyard! Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to venture into deep forests to encounter them. Studies have revealed that approximately 70% of Lyme disease transmissions occur from tick bites acquired in one's own yard.
Ticks start their journey as larvae, feeding on small mammals like rodents, bats, deer, and other wildlife. After ingesting and storing infected blood from these animals, they progress into their nymph stage. These nymphs can be found in vegetation as low as 4-6 inches - the kind commonly found in residential yards.
Once they latch onto their next victim, they can transmit the diseased blood they've acquired. That's why it's crucial to address tick presence in your yard to safeguard against potential health risks.
In addition to one’s own backyard, common tick breeding grounds include:
- Dense Ground Cover: Areas including pachysandra terminalis, English ivy (Hedera helix), or any similar thick shrubbery. Additionally, this includes landscaped beds where rodents may harbor.
- Forest Line: The line wher the edge of a forest meets another habitat such as the edge of a forest meeting a lawn, meadow, or street.
- Grass Line: The line where an un-maintained grass area meets a manicured area. An un-maintained area is any grassy or weedy area higher than 2". A manicured area is any well-trimmed and maintained lawn (grass 2" or less), parking lot, dirt without weeds, or similar ground.
- Leaf Litter: The organic debris that rests on a forest floor. In residential lawns, this includes areas of un-raked leaves and or branches and compost piles. Immature nymph ticks (especially deer ticks) often reside in these areas.
For more information about identifying and controlling ticks, reach out to Cowleys Pest Services. Our pest control services are available in Somerset, Edison, Lakewood, Toms River, Brick, Bridgewater, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Middletown, Princeton Junction and surrounding New Jersey. Contact us today!
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