The Weekend Deer Tick Index

November 30 through December 2, 2018:

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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

Starved ticks are more likely to seek hosts than less hungry ticks, as you might expect. They also have something of a Pavlovian response to the prospect of a meal since genes associated with their salivary glands are likely to be turned on.

For background on the Tick Index, see: What We Talk About When We Talk About Ticks

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.