Fordham Tick Index

THE WEEKEND DEER TIcK INDEX

The risk of being bitten by a
tick for the weekend of November 7 and 8 is:

Questing Adult Deer Ticks
Photo by James Vellozzi

The Fordham Tick Index is an estimate of the risk of being bitten by a nymphal or adult deer tick. Both of these stages are active at this time of year, although the smaller nymph is responsible for many more cases of Lyme disease. This index measures risk relative to other times of year. For more information about preventing tick bites, controlling ticks, Lyme disease and other illnesses ticks carry, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The Fordham Tick Index is provided as a weekly public service by Fordham University and is based on both current and historical data from one site in Westchester County, N.Y. It is an estimate only. Actual risk may vary geographically. Therefore, always take precautions to prevent tick bites when outdoors.

01 = Low risk.
Enjoy the outdoors, but take precautions.

05 = Moderate risk.
Ticks are fairly abundant. Use caution.

10 = High risk.
Limit exposure and use extreme caution. If you’re thinking of taking a hike, consider going to a movie instead.

TICK FACT OF THE WEEK

In most hard ticks, including I. scapularis, mating is a requirement for completion of the blood meal. A female will remain attached to a host until a male tick finds her and copulation occurs. Once mating and feeding are done, a process that may take a week or more, the female drops from the host and seeks shelter under the leaves.

For more information, contact Thomas Daniels

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