Tick bites at 12-year low in NJ, but prime season is May-June. How to protect yourself

Kyle Morel, NorthJersey.com

Roughly one-third of the way through 2024, state data shows New Jersey is on pace for the fewest residents affected by tick bites in the past dozen years.

There were 163 tick-related visits to emergency departments through the first 17 weeks of the year, according to information from the state Department of Health (DOH). The data includes the number of New Jersey residents treated for a tick bite complaint or exhibiting signs and symptoms associated with a reported tick bite.

The 163 visits is less than half of the 355 reported during the first 17 weeks of 2023 and the lowest to start a year since at least 2013, according to the data. During those 12 years, 2022 (171 visits) was the only other year in which the number over 17 weeks fell below 200.

Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) shown next to poppy seeds for a size comparison.
Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) shown next to poppy seeds for a size comparison.

Prime tick season approaching

While the early numbers are promising, the weekly totals will likely increase considerably in the next month or so as the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside.

The five-year average on the DOH website shows the number of bites generally peaks around late May or early June. In every year since 2013, the highest yearly totals were recorded at some point from week 21 to week 24.

Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a proclamation declaring May Tickborne Disease Awareness Month. The document notes that New Jersey consistently has one of the country's highest rates of Lyme disease — the most common tickborne disease in the state — and that cases are generally under-reported, meaning the actual number of people affected is likely much higher.

There have been 1,382 cases of Lyme disease to date in 2024, according to the health department. Over a full year since 2013, the number of cases has ranged from 2,630 in 2020 to a whopping 7,220 in 2023 — the only year the total even exceeded 6,000.

How to protect yourself from ticks

Below is a list of tips to prevent tick bites from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Prepare before going outside. Use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency before going on hikes.

  • Avoid areas where ticks are usually found. Walk in the center of trails, and stay away from wooded and brushy areas with high grass.

  • Examine clothing and pets. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat to kill ticks after coming indoors.

  • Take a shower. Showering within two hours of being outside has been proven to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses.

  • Check your body for ticks. Ticks are frequently found on many parts of the body, including in and around the hair and ears, under the arms, between the legs, inside the belly button and around the waist.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Prime NJ tick season approaching. How to protect yourself

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