Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). The three most common ticks on Long Island are:

  • Deer Ticks: These are the most common type of ticks to carry harmful bacterium that can lead to Lyme disease. The young ticks are the most active during Spring and early Summer. Whereas adult females of deer ticks are more active in the late Summer and early Fall. They like to hide in grass or bushes. Deer Ticks prefer areas where animals like to travel, such as paths in wooded areas.
  • American Dog Ticks: These ticks are also known as the “wood tick.” They like to feed on domestic dogs and latch on to them. American Dog Ticks can cause itching, fever, and the development of rashes. Make sure to check your pets for ticks if they have been in or around wooded areas.
  • Lone Star Ticks: These ticks are becoming more and more common on Long Island. You may be at risk of being bitten by a Lone Star Tick in the early Spring through the late Fall. These ticks tend to be more aggressive and their target is mostly humans. Bites can result in a circular rash and can cause allergic reactions with the consumption of red meat.

For tips on removing ticks, click on the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

To prevent ticks on your person, your pet and your property click on the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/index.html

For symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, click on the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/index.html