As New Yorkers head outdoors to enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, and other warm-weather activities, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is again reminding residents to protect themselves against ticks.
The DEC says ticks become active when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They typically emerge from leaf litter and forest floors, climbing vegetation to latch onto passing hosts, particularly in wooded and brushy areas.
Officials recommend wearing light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and tucking pants into socks to make ticks easier to spot and reduce the risk of bites.
Anyone who finds a tick attached to their body should remove it as soon as possible using proper techniques and shower promptly afterward. The DEC warns that improper removal can increase the risk of disease transmission. Clothing that may have been exposed to ticks should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be present.
The agency also encourages residents to check pets and their bedding regularly, since dogs and cats can carry ticks into homes.
Homeowners can reduce tick populations by maintaining their yards, removing leaf litter, mowing lawns regularly, and eliminating damp, shaded areas where ticks thrive. The DEC also recommends discouraging deer from entering residential properties by planting deer-resistant vegetation or installing fencing, as deer are common carriers of ticks.
When spending time outdoors, officials recommend using insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Residents are reminded to always follow product label directions when using repellents.
The DEC says taking simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and the diseases they can transmit while allowing New Yorkers to safely enjoy the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Additional information on tick prevention and safe tick removal is available through the DEC and Cornell Integrated Pest Management.
