All articles tagged with #tick populations
Tick populations across the U.S. are rapidly increasing and expanding into new areas due to climate change, with longer active seasons and alarming migration patterns, raising concerns about tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Preventative measures are crucial as these pests become more prevalent in both natural and urban settings.
Experts are warning that this summer could be a particularly bad tick season in New York City, as new tick species and tick-borne pathogens are on the rise. The Asian longhorned tick, which can reproduce on its own and is not deterred by mowed grass or direct sunlight, has established itself in parts of Staten Island and the Bronx. Other tick species, such as the Gulf Coast tick, have also been found in the city, potentially carrying new pathogens. The increase in tick populations and the emergence of rare tick-borne illnesses like Powassan virus are leading experts to rethink their advice for avoiding tick bites.