Tick Species Found on Long Island
Three established tick species are active on Long Island. Understanding each species — its activity season, habitat, and disease risk — helps you protect your property effectively.
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
Ixodes scapularis
The blacklegged tick — commonly called the deer tick — is the primary disease-carrying tick species on Long Island and the most common cause of Lyme disease in New York State. Adults are reddish-brown to dark brown, roughly the size of a sesame seed. Nymphs are tiny — about the size of a poppy seed — and are responsible for most Lyme disease transmissions because they are easy to miss.
Active Season
Nearly year-round — active above 40°F
Diseases Carried
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Powassan virus (rare)
Typical Habitats
- Wooded property edges
- Leaf litter and brush
- Ornamental plantings and mulch
- Shaded areas with deer traffic
Deer ticks quest on low vegetation and leaf litter from early spring through late fall. On warm winter days (above 40°F) they can be active even in December and January. Concentrated nymph activity in May–June represents the highest Lyme risk window.
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
The lone star tick is identified by a distinctive white spot on the back of females. It is an aggressive tick species that actively pursues hosts, covering distances of several feet. Lone star ticks are expanding their range northward and are now well-established on Long Island — particularly in the East End and wooded areas of Suffolk County.
Active Season
April through September — peak July–August
Diseases Carried
- Ehrlichiosis
- STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness)
- Heartland virus (rare)
- Possible alpha-gal allergy link
Typical Habitats
- Wooded areas and shrubby edges
- Deer resting sites
- Open fields adjacent to woods
- Recreational areas and parks
Lone star ticks are more aggressive biters than deer ticks and will actively pursue hosts. They are most active in summer months and are often encountered in clusters. Unlike deer ticks, they do not typically carry Lyme disease but can cause other illnesses.
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
The American dog tick is a larger, more visible tick species. Adults have distinctive whitish-gray markings on the back. As the name suggests, dogs are a common host for this species. While it can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia, these diseases are less common than Lyme disease on Long Island.
Active Season
April through August — peak May–July
Diseases Carried
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Tularemia
Typical Habitats
- Open fields and grassy areas
- Roadsides and trail edges
- Areas with low vegetation
- Dog walking routes
American dog ticks are most active in spring and early summer. They tend to prefer more open habitats than deer ticks and are less likely to be encountered in deep woodland. Regularly check pets after outdoor time, particularly May through July.
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Tick barrier treatments targeting all three Long Island tick species — Suffolk and Nassau County.
Protect Your Yard from All Three Species
Pestify's tick barrier treatments target the harborage zones for all three Long Island tick species. Request a free estimate.