Tick Alert - Asian Longhorned Tick Found in New York for Over a Decade

In recent years, the spread of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been a growing concern for public health and pest control experts. This invasive species, first detected in the United States in 2017, has rapidly expanded its range. A recent study highlighted in Entomology Today reveals that this tick has been present in New York longer than previously thought.

What is the Asian Longhorned Tick?

The Asian longhorned tick, commonly called the cattle tick, is known for its ability to reproduce without mating, a process called parthenogenesis, which allows it to multiply quickly. Originally from East Asia, this tick has adapted well to various environments in the U.S., posing a significant threat to livestock, wildlife, and human health due to its role as a vector for various pathogens.

Discovery in New York

The study conducted by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies involved analyzing archived tick samples collected from white-tailed deer in New York between 2010 and 2017. Researchers discovered that the Asian longhorned tick had been present in the state since at least 2010, much earlier than its official identification in the U.S.

This finding is crucial as it shifts our understanding of the tick's timeline and its establishment in the region. The extended presence indicates a greater potential for the tick to have already impacted local ecosystems and public health.

Implications for Public Health

The Asian longhorned tick is a vector for several diseases that can affect both animals and humans. One of the significant concerns is its potential to spread *Theileria orientalis Ikeda*, a parasite that causes theileriosis in cattle, leading to severe economic losses in the livestock industry. Additionally, the tick can transmit other pathogens, including *Rickettsia* species, which are responsible for causing spotted fever rickettsioses.

Seasonal Pest Pressure in the Northeast

According to the 2024 NPMA Bug Barometer, the Northeast, including New York, is expected to experience a spike in tick populations due to favorable weather conditions. The region's cold, rainy spring and early summer will create a humid environment conducive to tick survival and proliferation. This aligns with the increased awareness and monitoring of the Asian longhorned tick.

Controlling the Spread and Protecting Public Health

Controlling the spread of the Asian longhorned tick involves multiple strategies:

• Monitoring and Surveillance: Increased monitoring of tick populations is essential to understand their distribution and implement timely control measures.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about preventive measures, such as avoiding tick habitats, using repellents, and performing regular tick checks, can significantly reduce tick bites and disease transmission.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implementing IPM strategies that combine biological, mechanical, and chemical controls can effectively manage tick populations. This includes habitat modification, the use of acaricides, and introducing natural predators.

What You Can Do About Ticks

Ticks are a year-round concern, but their activity peaks during warmer months. Here are some practical steps to protect yourself and your pets:

• Avoid Tick Habitats: Ticks thrive in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. If you venture into these areas, stick to the center of trails.
• Use Tick Repellents: Apply EPA-approved repellents on skin and clothing to reduce the risk of tick bites.
• Perform Regular Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, check your body, your children's bodies, and your pets for ticks. Promptly remove any ticks using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to reduce tick habitats.

Questions? Suburban Pest Control Is Here to Help

The discovery that the Asian longhorned tick has been in New York longer than previously thought underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and public awareness. As the tick population is expected to rise, especially in favorable conditions, it becomes even more critical to take preventive measures to protect public health.

For more information on tick prevention and control, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts  is here to help you stay safe and informed. Whether you are in Yonkers, Peekskill, or Scarsdale, it is important to stay vigilant and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick-borne diseases.