Published: April 30, 2026 | Source: New York State Department of Health

Enjoy Nature—Protect Yourself from Ticks

As warmer weather arrives, New York State agencies are reminding residents and visitors to take simple precautions against ticks and the diseases they can carry. The Department of Health, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are working together to help New Yorkers safely enjoy Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign.

"As the weather warms up and we get outside, it's important to remember, ticks live here too, and to them, we are a food source," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and other diseases. The best way to prevent tick-borne illness is to follow a few simple steps: look for ticks on your body and remove them, wear appropriate clothing, and use insect repellent."

Why Tick Prevention Matters Now

While ticks remain active in cooler temperatures, spring and summer significantly increase the likelihood of exposure. Key facts:

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in New York
The state has averaged more than 17,500 new Lyme disease cases annually over the past three years
Nearly 19,000 cases were reported in 2024 alone
Ticks can transmit multiple diseases, some of which can be serious or life-threatening without prompt treatment

"New York's State Parks and Historic Sites offer ideal settings to connect with nature, family, and community," said Acting Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser. "With warmer weather, it is important to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to reduce the risk of tick exposure. Staying on designated trails, tucking pants into socks, and performing regular tick checks can help visitors stay safe and make the most of New York's 360,000 acres of State Park lands."

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton added: "Warmer weather means adventurers of all ages are getting offline and outside to enjoy New York's abundant recreational opportunities. With that comes the need to ensure the public follows best practices to defend against ticks and the potential illnesses these pests carry."

Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases in New York

Lyme Disease

Cause: Bacteria transmitted by infected blacklegged (deer) ticks
Transmission: Requires tick attachment for 36 hours or more
Early symptoms: Expanding "bull's-eye" rash or solid red patch near bite site; fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle/joint aches within 30 days
Treatment: Antibiotics are highly effective when started early

Other Common Tick-Borne Illnesses

Since 2015, New York has reported annually:
- Average of 600 babesiosis cases (parasitic infection causing fever, chills, fatigue; can cause anemia)
- Average of 1,300 anaplasmosis cases (bacterial infection causing fever, headache, muscle aches)

Less Common but Serious Diseases

Ehrlichiosis: Bacterial infection from lone star ticks
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Can cause severe illness if not treated promptly
Powassan virus disease: Rare but serious; can be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick bite—much faster than Lyme disease

Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS): An Emerging Concern

Assemblyman Steve Otis highlighted the importance of new resources on alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy linked to certain tick bites.

What is AGS?
- An allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in mammal meat and products
- Triggered by bites from lone star ticks (common in parts of New York, including Long Island)
- Symptoms occur 3–6 hours after eating beef, pork, lamb, venison, or consuming dairy, gelatin, or lanolin
- Reactions can range from hives and digestive distress to life-threatening anaphylaxis

New Resources Available
The Department of Health has launched a dedicated webpage on alpha-gal syndrome with:
- Information for the public on symptoms, diagnosis, and management
- Guidance for healthcare providers on recognition and treatment
- Prevention tips to avoid tick bites that can lead to AGS

Simple Steps to Prevent Tick Bites

You do not need to avoid the outdoors to stay safe. These practical precautions significantly reduce your risk:

Before You Go Outside

Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes
Tuck pant legs into socks or boots; tuck shirt into pants
Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening
Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
Follow label instructions carefully
If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, then repellent
Avoid applying repellent to cuts, sunburns, rashes, or children's hands

While Outdoors

Stay on cleared trails and walk in the center; avoid tall grass, brush, and leaf litter
Check clothing and exposed skin frequently; brush off ticks before they attach
Avoid sitting directly on the ground, logs, or stone walls
Consider using a lint roller to pick up unattached ticks from clothing

After Coming Indoors

Shower within two hours to wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to find attached ones
Perform a full-body tick check, including:
Under arms, behind ears, in hair, around waist, behind knees, and in the groin area
Check children thoroughly, paying attention to hidden areas
Check pets carefully and consult your veterinarian about tick prevention
Tumble dry outdoor clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks

How to Remove an Attached Tick Safely

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly and properly:

Use fine-tipped tweezers—avoid using fingers, matches, petroleum jelly, or nail polish
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the head or mouthparts
Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk
Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or soap and water
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in rubbing alcohol
Save the tick in a sealed bag if you develop symptoms—it may help with identification

Avoid these risky methods:
- Do not use detergent, heat, or flame to remove ticks—these can increase infection risk
- Do not squeeze or crush the tick with your fingers

After removal:
- Monitor the bite site for 30 days for any rash or symptoms
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms

Know Your Local Tick Risk

Tick activity varies by region. New York State provides a Tick Risk Score by geographic area to help residents understand their local risk of encountering an infected blacklegged tick.

Visit the Department of Health website to view the interactive map and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Science in Action: Monitoring Tick Populations

The Department of Health and its partners collect and analyze tens of thousands of ticks from parks and nature preserves across the state each year. This research helps:
- Track tick population trends
- Understand tick behavior and habitat preferences
- Identify regional patterns in disease-carrying ticks
- Inform public health guidance and prevention strategies

Commissioner McDonald recently joined research scientists during a tick collection exercise in Saratoga County, demonstrating the state's commitment to evidence-based prevention.

Current and historical tick collection and testing results are publicly available on the Department's Health Data NY website.

Resources for More Information

For the public:
- NYS Department of Health Tick-Borne Diseases page: health.ny.gov/ticks
- Alpha-gal Syndrome webpage: Information on symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention
- Tick Risk Score by Region: Interactive map showing local risk levels
- Proper tick removal video tutorial: Available on the DOH website

For healthcare providers:
- Healthcare provider advisory on alpha-gal syndrome
- Clinical guidance on diagnosis, testing, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses
- Reporting protocols for confirmed cases
- Patient education materials in multiple languages

For park visitors:
- State Parks safety guidance: Tips for enjoying outdoor spaces safely
- DEC recreation resources: Information on trails, camping, and wildlife awareness

The Bottom Line

Ticks are a fact of outdoor life in New York—but tick-borne diseases are largely preventable. By dressing wisely, using repellents correctly, checking for ticks promptly, and knowing when to seek care, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

Whether you are hiking in the Adirondacks, gardening at home, or exploring a local park, these simple steps protect you, your family, and your pets. New York's agencies are committed to providing the information and resources you need to stay safe while enjoying all the state has to offer.

Stay alert. Stay protected. Get offline, get outside—and get back to nature safely.

Content provided by Crestwood General. We share clear, practical health information to help our community stay safe, informed, and healthy.