Did you know that ticks are most active during the months of April and October here in New Jersey? Tick season usually ends when the weather starts to cool down. However, if you live in a wooded area with lots of bushes or trees, they can be found into fall and even winter.

Here are 3 fascinating facts about ticks that you may not know:

1. There are three kinds of ticks in New Jersey: Blacklegged or Deer, American Dog, and Lone Star.

Blacklegged or Deer Ticks are smaller than American Dog Ticks. They are slow eaters and only have up to three blood feeds in their two-to-three-year lifespan. American Dog Ticks feed on anything from human to rodents, but adult ticks prefer medium sized hosts such as raccoons, skunks, dogs, and cats. Lone Star Ticks usually feed on humans but will feed on any readily available animal. They will cause a rash at the site of the bite. This does not mean you have an infection or disease. Their saliva can be irritating, hence the rash.

2. There are multiple diseases that can be transmitted by ticks. About 25-50% of ticks in New Jersey carry Lyme Disease.

Other diseases that can be transmitted to both you and your pet are, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Powassan Virus. The Lone Star Tick does not carry Lyme Disease. If you’re worried about getting a disease, take the tick to be checked. Also, diseases usually only pass to you after 24-48 hours. So, no need to worry if it’s only been there for an hour or two.

3. Your dog is a huge target! Ticks prefer dogs as their host as they are an easier target than humans.

If you have a pet, you are more likely to find a tick on yourself as they will jump or crawl from your pet to you. American Dog Ticks will pass from your pet to you if you pet them or your pet rubs on you. So definitely be on the look out for ticks on your pet between the months of April and October in New Jersey!

Learn More: Tick Control Service

Tackle tick season by using our flea and tick services this year! You can send us an email at info@healthylawnnj.com .