Tick Season Off to a Record Start in NY and Northeast in 2024

The tick season in the New York region kicked off with record numbers in March 2024 after a mild winter. While emergency room visits for tick bites dipped slightly in April, they have surged again in May, according to the latest data.

Despite fall tick population density being similar to recent years, experts warn this season could still lead to widespread tickborne illnesses like Lyme disease.

How Bad is Tick Season in New York in 2024?

A USA TODAY Network analysis of public health data found:

• In April, the Northeast reported 128 emergency room visits for tick bites per 100,000 visits, below the seven-year April average of 158.
• By May, visits rebounded to 208 per 100,000 ER visits, marking the fifth-highest May in recent years. The worst May was in 2017, with 332 visits per 100,000.
• From October to December last year, adult deer-tick tracking found 9,277 ticks, averaging a county-level density score of 49, consistent with prior years.
• Monroe County had one of its highest adult tick density scores at 75, compared to an average of 62 since 2008. In contrast, Westchester County had a density score of 12 last fall, below its average of 37.

Tracking adult ticks helps predict the severity of the upcoming tick season, though populations and disease risk can vary widely within a county due to factors like terrain, deer and mice populations, and weather conditions.

When Will NY Know if Tick Season Will Get Worse?

Predicting tick populations is tricky, but mild winters often lead to longer and more severe tick seasons, typically from April to October. The true impact of the 2024 tick season will be clearer once ER tick bite data for May, June, and July is available, as these months historically see the highest levels of tickborne illnesses.

For those bitten by a tick, it’s important to know about tick testing and removal procedures to stay safe.