Are There Ticks in New Jersey? A Guide to New Jersey Tick Species

Ticks are one of the most common parasites in North America, and they're not too picky about where they get their next meal. These bloodsucking arachnids are known to feed on everything from reptiles and amphibians to birds and mammals, including dogs, deer, and horses.

Unfortunately, humans are on the menu for these pesky parasites, too. If you spend a lot of time outside, chances are that you've probably had to pick a couple of ticks off you or your dog before.

But whether you've had any close encounters with these ectoparasites or not, it's important to know about the tick species in your area to better protect you and your family from species that are known to carry diseases. Here is everything you need to know about the tick species that call the Garden State home.

Does New Jersey Have Ticks?

Like most locations in North America, you can find many species of ticks throughout New Jersey. This is not surprising, considering ticks belong to one of the largest sub-orders of arachnids, Ixodida.

There are over 800 species of ticks worldwide and nearly 100 in the United States alone. Luckily, only a small percentage of tick species call New Jersey home. And only a small subset of those pose any danger to humans.

How Common Are Ticks in New Jersey?

Ticks are very common in New Jersey. They are found throughout the entire state, hanging on leaves, grass, and other vegetation, waiting for an unsuspecting host to brush up against them. However, their population density can vary substantially from one location to another.

Wooded areas, fields, gardens, shrubland, and other grassy areas have the largest concentration of ticks. You may even find some in your own yard. Ticks are very hardy and can survive in both urban and rural environments, which is why it's important to always stay vigilant when spending time outdoors.

Types of Ticks in New Jersey

Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or a concerned dog owner, understanding New Jersey's tick population and the different types of ticks can help you stay safe.

There are more than a dozen species of ticks in New Jersey. But you really only need to be on the lookout for a handful of the most common types known to carry serious disease germs.

Here are the common tick species encountered in New Jersey, with tips on how to identify them, and what risks they carry.

The Blacklegged Tick

Commonly known as the deer tick, the blacklegged tick is one of the most well-known tick species in New Jersey due to its role in transmitting Lyme disease. These ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, along trails, and in grassy fields.

Adults are most active during fall and early spring, while nymphs, responsible for most human Lyme disease infections, peak from late spring through early summer. The small size of nymphal ticks makes them difficult to detect, delaying removal and increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.

In addition to Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks can transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan Virus to humans and pets.

The American Dog Tick

The American dog tick is a common tick species found in grassy areas throughout New Jersey. In addition to grassy areas, these ticks like to hang out around the edge of wooded areas. This means they're a common sight on nature trails and walkways.

Larvae and nymphs tend to feast on small mammals, such as mice, squirrels, and voles. On the other hand, adults tend to go for mid-size mammals, such as cats, dogs, and raccoons. However, these larger ticks are also known to parasitize humans.

American dog ticks are often found attached near the crown of the head, but that’s usually not where they begin. These ticks typically latch onto a person’s lower extremities, like shoes, socks, or pant legs, and then climb upward in search of a suitable feeding spot. Males typically attach and feed briefly before detaching to search for a female mate. Females may feed for up to a week or longer before becoming fully engorged and detaching. American dog ticks can survive several months without a host, but they require multiple bloodmeals to reach adulthood.

Nymphs and adults of this species may transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other bacterial and viral infections as well as cause tick paralysis, but they are not known to transmit Lyme disease.

The Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star tick is an aggressive species found in wooded areas throughout New Jersey, especially in the southern parts of the state. They are known for actively seeking out hosts, making them more of a nuisance than other tick species.

Female Lone Star ticks are easy to identify, thanks to the single white dot they bear in the middle of their brown bodies. Males have white spots or streaks along their edges. These ticks are most active from late spring to early fall.

Although they do not transmit Lyme disease, Lone Star ticks can spread diseases like ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). They have also been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an increasingly common allergy to red meat triggered by tick bites.

The Brown Dog Tick

Brown dog ticks are found around the world, but not where you may think. Unlike most ticks that dwell in wooded or grassy areas, brown dog ticks thrive in and around human dwellings and can spend their entire life indoors. They tend to select domestic dogs as hosts but may feed on human blood as well.

These ticks are known for transmitting canine diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine babesiosis, but they rarely transmit diseases to humans. In New Jersey, infestations of brown dog ticks are more common in kennels and homes with multiple pets.

The Asian Longhorned Tick

A relatively new invasive species, the Asian longhorned tick was first identified in New Jersey in 2017. These ticks reproduce rapidly and can infest livestock, wildlife, and pets in large numbers. These ticks inhabit a wide range of environments (from wooded areas to open sports fields) and can reach very high densities.

While they have not yet been confirmed to transmit diseases to humans in the U.S., ongoing research is monitoring potential risks. They currently pose a significant threat to livestock, causing severe infestations that lead to blood loss and stress-related illnesses.

When Is Tick Season in New Jersey?

The tick population ebbs and flows throughout the year. However, ticks in New Jersey are most active in spring and early summer. Tick season peaks from May through August, but certain species like the black-legged tick can remain active year-round, especially during mild winters. Tick encounters become less common but are still possible during fall and even in the middle of winter.

Staying Safe Doesn't Have to Be Difficult

Ticks are incredibly common in nature and are known to parasitize humans and transmit several serious bacterial and viral infections. That’s why it's important to take appropriate precautions when spending time outside.

Luckily, this is easy to do by simply wearing the proper clothing. Insect Shield offers permethrin-treated clothing and other gear to protect against ticks for every member of the family. Explore the Insect Shield shop today to find comfortable and protective clothes for your next outing or everyday use.