The Weekend Deer Tick Index

September 9 through 12, 2021:

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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.

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.

Tick Fact of the Week

Timber rattlesnakes, an endangered species in the northeastern U.S., can help battle Lyme disease. Each rattlesnake consumes 2,500 to 4,500 blacklegged ticks living on the mice it eats each year, according to one study. You may not like rattlesnakes but you probably dislike ticks even more: good reason to leave the snakes alone.

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.