STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A recent study highlighting the risks of tick bites in New York City has raised alarms among residents as researchers from Fordham University designate the area as being in the “Red Zone” for tick activity.
The Fordham University Tick Index indicates that both the nymph and adult black-legged ticks are currently active, necessitating increased caution for those living in the city.
Joellen Lampman, part of the New York State Integrated Pest Management program, noted that while larger adult ticks are typically seen in summer, it is the smaller nymphs that are particularly concerning due to their role in transmitting Lyme disease.
At only the size of a poppy seed, nymphs are much harder to detect and pose a significant risk to the public. This year, there has been a noticeable surge in the population of black-legged tick nymphs within New York City, according to Lampman in a recent interview with the Advance/SILive.com.
The black-legged tick is the only type of tick in Staten Island that carries Lyme disease, but residents should also be aware that lone star ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and larger American dog ticks are present in the area.
Lyme disease can manifest with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain, potentially accompanied by a bulls-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences, including heart and neurological problems, nerve damage, or even facial paralysis, as cautioned by health experts.
Symptoms typically arise between three to 30 days after a tick bite, with late symptoms potentially emerging days or even months later.
“Basically, you should be on guard,” Lampman emphasized, explaining that 2023 saw a mast year in New York City, marked by a massive acorn drop from oak trees. Such events occur every three to five years and have significant ecological implications.
Staten Island, known as the “Borough of Parks,” boasts over 14,000 oak trees, according to the Parks Department, a number that doesn’t even include those in heavily forested areas. This abundance of acorns helped to sustain local rodents during the winter, leading to a boom in white-footed mice and other small mammals during the summer of 2024.
These small mammals serve as essential hosts for black-legged ticks in their larval stage, contributing to the heightened tick population. However, Lampman warned that as of 2025, the situation is expected to worsen due to a significant decrease in the survival rate of these small animals after a particularly harsh winter devoid of abundant acorns. Thus, while there are fewer animals, the tick population has not followed suit, resulting in an increased likelihood of human contact with these parasitic creatures.
Lampman described ticks as adept at remaining inconspicuous while they wait for a suitable host to pass by, further underscoring the need for vigilance in outdoor activities.
For those seeking more information about preventing tick bites, controlling tick populations, or understanding Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers valuable resources.
Experts recommend taking precautionary measures to avoid tick bites. Simple protective strategies include wearing high socks, long sleeves, and hats, particularly when venturing into areas where ticks are prevalent, such as grassy or wooded regions.
Common activities that may expose individuals to ticks include dog walking, camping, gardening, and even spending time close to home. The CDC reports that a significant number of tick bites occur in backyards or nearby neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for vigilance even at home.
One effective method of preventing tick bites is to treat clothing and gear with permethrin, an insect repellent that can endure multiple washes and remains effective for extended periods. Alternatively, individuals can opt for pre-treated clothing and gear.
In addition, using insect repellent when engaging in outdoor activities can effectively reduce the risk of being bitten.
It’s important to note that Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed, with symptoms frequently confused with other medical conditions such as arthritis, sports-related injuries, or common illnesses like sinusitis.
The warning from experts is clear: with tick populations on the rise, New Yorkers must take necessary precautions to protect themselves against Lyme disease and other illnesses associated with ticks.
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