Ticks are small bugs that are
commonly associated with other outdoor pests such as mosquitoes and flies. They are actually small arachnids (like a
spider) that require blood meals to complete their complex life cycles. Although
ticks will die eventually if they do not get a blood meal, many species can
survive a year or more without a blood meal.
Fossils suggest that ticks have
been around at least 90 million years. While there are over 800 species of
ticks throughout the world, the most common species of ticks known to
be in New Jersey are:
In addition to being an
unwelcome parasite on people, pets and wildlife, ticks can also transmit
certain diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Those
enjoying the outdoors, including hunters, anglers, or others just looking to
get outside while remaining socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic
should take precautions to avoid ticks and tick-borne diseases, and to prevent
the transfer of ticks to new sites.
Before you go outdoors, visit one of our
partners below or click on a “how-to” subject so you and your loved
ones can be tick smart and fight the bite this season.
How to -