Many hope that New York City’s recent cold and snowy winter will reduce the black-legged deer tick population, which carries Lyme disease.
However, scientists have warned that this assumption is a misconception.
Jody L. Gangloff-Kaufmann, an entomologist at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Geneva, New York, explained that adult black-legged ticks can endure winter conditions quite well.
According to her, deer tick season never truly comes to a halt.
Even during winter, residents venturing outside should exercise caution regarding tick exposure and conduct thorough tick checks after engaging in outdoor activities.
“The black-legged tick is the only variety that is active over the winter,” she stated.
While searching for their primary host, which is deer, the ticks also seek mates.
Gangloff-Kaufmann emphasized that these ticks do not truly disappear.
On milder winter or early spring days with temperatures exceeding 37 degrees, tick activity increases.
Ticks, which are arachnids closely related to mites and spiders, survive by feeding on the blood of deer, small rodents, pets, and humans to gain energy for growth and reproduction.
Medical experts warn that being bitten by an infected black-legged tick can result in Lyme disease and several other illnesses.
While not every black-legged tick transmits Lyme, about 50% of them in the Northeast do, with approximately 20% capable of spreading three other diseases.
Gangloff-Kaufmann pointed out that ticks prefer to hide along trails in woods, especially near the forest’s edge, and thrive in lowland areas with nearby streams that attract deer.
Thus, one might find themselves safer on a sunny, dry lawn.
However, as the spring chill persists, the adult ticks may venture into yards out of desperation.
Joellen Lampman, an extension support specialist with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell, observed that this time also coincides with the emergence of nymphs, which are tiny and resemble poppy seeds.
This emergence poses a significant challenge, as people often overlook nymph stages in spring when they are less expected and harder to detect.
Most Lyme disease diagnoses occur in June or July due to infections caused by ticks that bit individuals earlier in the spring.
With many individuals eager to engage in outdoor activities and yard work after the long winter, scientists stress the importance of emphasizing caution.
To remain safe while enjoying the outdoors, thorough body checks are vital after any outdoor activity.
Investigating areas like armpits, belly buttons, and behind the ears during showering is recommended by doctors.
Additionally, wearing long sleeves, high socks, and pants in wooded areas significantly reduces exposure risk.
The use of insect repellents is also paramount for protection against ticks.
Moreover, pre-treated clothing designed to repel and kill ticks is available.
“I don’t see this nearly enough,” remarked Lampman.
She pointed out that permethrin is an effective chemical for tick protection.
Consumers can purchase pre-treated clothing or apply sprays themselves, with effects lasting up to six weeks or after six washes.
Investing in such protective measures can be worthwhile for outdoor enthusiasts.
As the weather continues to warm, other tick species will become a concern, too.
The American dog tick can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, while the Lone Star tick can lead to a red meat allergy.
Similarly, the Asian longhorned tick may not typically attach to humans but poses a threat to pets.
With the persistent black-legged tick population, New Yorkers must remain vigilant even in the colder months.
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