Types of Ticks Found in NJ
The 4 Dangerous Tick Species in New Jersey
Four species of ticks are considered to be of medical significance and veterinary significance in New Jersey, which means they can carry and transfer diseases between humans and animals. The four types of ticks are:
- The American Dog Tick inhabits rural and suburban areas but prefers overgrown fields over woodlands.
- The Blacklegged Tick can be found in forests, shrubs, and tall grasses. Also known as the infamous deer tick.
- The Brown Dog Tick is known to bite domestic dogs in all its life stages, from larva to adult.
- The Lone Star Tick marks Central NJ as the northernmost part of its territory.
Female ticks typically start to lay eggs in New Jersey during April and May. This is also the same time that adult blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) who survived the winter may come out and begin roaming again. May, June, and July are when New Jersey residents really start to notice ticks and begin reporting the majority of tick-borne illnesses for the year. According to the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station out of Rutgers University, 25%-50% of deer ticks in New Jersey are infected with Lyme disease and able to transmit it.
The threat of ticks does not go away with the summertime; Ticks are present well into the Fall and sometimes even winter months in New Jersey. As the state continues to experience milder winters than in the past, that means more animals will continue to migrate north and carry diseased ticks. Additionally, the Garden State can expect less foliage and grasses to die back in the milder winters, giving ticks even more habitats to flourish in.
With ticks, you are better safe than sorry. Call our team at Cowley's to schedule a free estimate on treating your yard or home for ticks.