August Mosquito & Tick Report — Long Island
August begins at or near peak mosquito activity and transitions toward late-season pressure by month's end. The first half of August remains a high-risk period — particularly following rain events. Tick activity is sustained through the entire month, with deer tick adults increasing as summer ends.
August Activity Summary
🦟 Mosquito Activity
Very High
🕷️ Tick Activity
High
Suffolk County Rainfall
3.8–5.0 inches typical for August (Suffolk County)
Nassau County Rainfall
3.6–4.8 inches typical for August (Nassau County)
🦟 Mosquito Activity — August
Early August sustains the intense mosquito pressure established in July. Tropical systems and late-summer thunderstorms can cause sudden population spikes. By the final week of August, nighttime temperatures begin to cool — gradually slowing mosquito activity. Culex pipiens remains the dominant species. Asian tiger mosquito activity begins to decline slightly as temperatures drop below 80°F overnight.
🕷️ Tick Activity — August
Deer tick adult activity increases in August and is sustained through the fall. Adult deer ticks are more visible (sesame seed size) but are still frequently missed, particularly on dogs and children. Lone star tick activity remains moderate in eastern areas. Homeowners with wooded or edge properties remain at significant risk for tick encounters throughout August.
Active Species This Month
Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito)
Declining toward end of month but still active.
Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito)
Sensitive to cooler nights — activity drops in late August.
Ixodes scapularis (Deer Tick)
Adult activity increases through fall. Peak Lyme risk shifts to adult ticks.
Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star Tick)
Declining toward late August as season transitions.
Towns Seeing Elevated Activity in August
August Prevention Recommendations
- Continue scheduled barrier spray treatments through Labor Day
- Inspect and re-treat wood chip beds and mulch areas — key tick harborage
- Check pets for ticks after every outdoor activity
- Keep bird feeders away from the house — seeds attract mice, which carry ticks
- Treat property edges adjacent to wooded areas with targeted tick control
- Empty kiddie pools, tarps, and toys that collect water after rain
Looking Ahead
September brings cooler temperatures and declining mosquito activity. Tick season continues strongly through October and into November. Fall is often overlooked for tick treatment — homeowners with deer activity should continue tick control into September.
This report contains seasonal activity estimates based on historical Long Island mosquito and tick patterns, typical weather conditions, and regional environmental factors. It is not a government health advisory, live surveillance data, or a guarantee of specific conditions. For public health information about mosquito-borne illness in New York State, visit the NYS Department of Health website.