The Brief
- The Fordham Tick Index indicates a high risk of ticks in New York City due to increased acorn-eating animal populations.
- Deer ticks and other types found across NYC can transmit Lyme disease and other pathogens.
- Use tick repellent, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and protect pets from tick-borne illnesses.
NEW YORK – The tick population is booming this summer, not only in the suburbs but also across the five boroughs.
This year, the tiny but dangerous bugs are posing a significant risk to New York City residents engaging in outdoor activities.
Tick population explodes
What we know:
The Fordham Tick Index, which measures the likelihood of encountering ticks outdoors, is currently at its peak level of 10 on a 10-point scale.
Tick populations have been found across the city, with deer ticks, lone star ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks present on Staten Island and in the North Bronx. The American dog tick has been found in all five boroughs. While only deer ticks carry Lyme disease, they can also transmit other pathogens, and other tick types can spread diseases as well.…