Pennsylvania and New Jersey Tick Populations Surge: What to Know This Season

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are experiencing significant tick activity this summer as warming temperatures and shifting environmental conditions expand the habitats of disease-carrying arachnids. According to the [Pennsylvania Department of Health](https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Tickborne%20Diseases/Pages/Tickborne-Diseases.aspx), residents should remain vigilant as black-legged ticks—commonly known as deer ticks—remain the primary vector for Lyme disease across the region. Health officials emphasize that early detection and prompt removal are the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

Identifying High-Risk Areas and Tick Behavior

Ticks thrive in humid, wooded, and brushy environments, particularly in areas where white-tailed deer populations are high. The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html) notes that ticks do not jump or fly; instead, they “quest” by clinging to the tips of grasses and shrubs, waiting for a host to brush against them.

In New Jersey, the [Department of Health](https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml) reports that tick encounters are not limited to deep forests. Suburban backyards, manicured lawns, and leaf litter frequently harbor ticks, especially along the edges of properties where wooded areas meet open spaces. Because these ticks are often no larger than a poppy seed in their nymph stage, they are difficult to spot without a thorough physical inspection after outdoor activity.

Prevention Strategies for Residents

Public health guidelines focus on a three-pronged approach to reducing the risk of tick bites:

* Protective Clothing: When hiking or working in tall grass, wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot crawling ticks.
* Chemical Repellents: The [Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you) recommends using products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. For clothing and gear, permethrin-treated items provide a higher level of protection.
* Property Maintenance: Keep lawns mowed and clear away piles of leaves or brush where ticks congregate. Creating a wood-chip or gravel barrier between lawns and wooded areas can also limit tick migration into recreational spaces.

Managing a Tick Bite

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html) advises using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.

After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. It is not necessary to save the tick for testing, as most labs do not provide clinical diagnostic services for ticks removed from humans. Monitor the bite site for the next 30 days for signs of a rash—often described as a “bullseye”—or symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain. If these symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider immediately for potential antibiotic treatment.

Key Considerations for the 2024 Season

While Lyme disease remains the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in the Mid-Atlantic, health departments are also monitoring for less common infections, including Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. Data from the [Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection](https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/Pennsylvania-Environment-Digest/Pages/default.aspx) suggests that the duration of the tick season has lengthened in recent years due to milder winters, allowing populations to remain active for longer periods.

Residents should maintain a habit of performing “tick checks” on themselves, children, and pets immediately after returning indoors. Because ticks often gravitate toward warm, hidden areas of the body, a thorough inspection should include the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, and the area behind the knees.