Fordham Tick Index

The Weekend Deer Tick Index

November 17 through 19, 2023

3 out of 10

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

While we tend to think of Lyme disease as a relatively new infection, the bacteria that cause it were on the continent, circulating in ticks and wildlife, 60,000 years ago, long before humans arrived here some 15,000 to 20,000 years ago!  What were likely sporadic cases for thousands of years became an epidemic once human, deer, and mouse populations grew—and moved into the suburbs.  

This is the last posting of the Tick Index for 2023. Happy Thanksgiving, and we'll see you in the spring! 

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.