Long Island Tick Activity Index
Deer tick, blacklegged tick, and lone star tick activity estimates for Suffolk County and Nassau County. Seasonal calendars, Lyme disease education, and prevention resources.
Tick Activity by Region
Updated seasonally based on typical Long Island deer tick patterns.
Suffolk County — North Shore
High (Adult Season)
The North Shore is Long Island's highest tick-risk area. Dense woods, large residential lots with deer corridors, and proximity to state parkland create sustained deer tick pressure from May through November.
Elevated activity:
Suffolk County — East End
High (Adult Season)
Eastern Suffolk County has some of the highest Lyme disease rates in New York State. The combination of active deer populations, wooded estates, wetland edges, and agricultural fields creates year-round tick habitat.
Elevated activity:
Suffolk County — South Shore & Central
Seasonal High
South Shore and central Suffolk communities face significant tick pressure from wooded property edges, parks, and undeveloped corridor areas. Deer movement between wooded patches keeps tick populations established near suburban neighborhoods.
Elevated activity:
Nassau County — North Shore
High
Nassau's North Shore communities — Oyster Bay, Syosset, Old Westbury, and surroundings — have significant wooded and estate-style lots with deer activity that creates elevated tick pressure.
Elevated activity:
Nassau County — South Shore & Central
Moderate
South Shore and central Nassau communities face lower tick pressure than the wooded North Shore, but properties adjacent to parks, golf courses, and undeveloped areas can experience local high-risk conditions.
Elevated activity:
Tick Species on Long Island
Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)
Ixodes scapularis
Risk Level: Very High
Size
Nymph: 1–2mm (poppy seed). Adult: 3–5mm.
Active Season
Active April–November. Nymph peak May–July. Adult peak Sept–Nov.
Associated Diseases
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Powassan virus
The most medically significant tick on Long Island. Nymphs cause the majority of Lyme disease cases due to their small size.
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
Risk Level: High
Size
Adult: 3–4mm. Recognizable by white spot on female's back.
Active Season
Active May–August. Most common in eastern Suffolk County.
Associated Diseases
- STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness)
- Ehrlichiosis
- Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy)
Aggressive host-seeking behavior. More common on Long Island's East End. Does not transmit Lyme disease.
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Risk Level: Moderate
Size
Adult: 5mm unfed. Larger and easier to spot.
Active Season
Peak activity April–August. Prefers open grassy areas.
Associated Diseases
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (rare in NY)
- Tularemia (rare)
Does not transmit Lyme disease. Commonly found on dogs and in grassy open areas. Less of a Lyme risk but still worth prompt removal.
Tick Season Calendar — Long Island
Deer ticks are active nearly year-round on Long Island — any month above 35°F carries risk.
| Month | Mosquito | Tick Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | — | Low |
| March | — | Moderate |
| April | low | High |
| May | moderate | Very High |
| June | high | Very High |
| July | very-high | High |
| August | very-high | High |
| September | moderate | Very High |
| October | low | Very High |
| November | — | Moderate |
| December | — | Low |
Lyme Disease on Long Island
What every Long Island homeowner should know.
New York State consistently ranks in the top 5 states for Lyme disease cases nationally.
Suffolk County is one of the highest Lyme disease counties in New York State.
Deer tick nymphs are the primary Lyme disease risk — they are poppy-seed sized and easily missed.
A tick must typically be attached for 36–48 hours to transmit Lyme disease bacteria.
Early symptoms include a bullseye rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is highly effective.
Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease — testing rates vary by location and season.
Important: This information is for educational purposes. If you are concerned about a tick bite or symptoms of tick-borne illness, consult a licensed healthcare provider. For Lyme disease information from New York State health authorities, visit the NYS Department of Health website.
Tick Prevention Checklist
Personal protection, property management, and what to do if you find a tick.
On Your Body
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas
- Apply DEET or Picaridin insect repellent
- Tuck pants into socks when in tick habitat
- Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easier
Tick Checks
- Do a full-body tick check after every outdoor activity
- Check scalp, behind ears, under arms, groin, and behind knees
- Check pets every time they come inside
- Shower within two hours of outdoor activity
Your Property
- Keep grass mowed short — ticks prefer tall grass
- Treat the edge between lawn and wooded areas
- Clear leaf litter from property perimeter
- Keep wood piles away from the house
- Consider a tick tube or barrier spray program
If You Find a Tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers — grasp close to skin
- Pull straight out with steady pressure — don't twist
- Clean area with alcohol or soap and water
- Save the tick in a sealed bag for identification
- Monitor for symptoms for 30 days. See a doctor if any develop
Related Resources
Mosquito Activity Index
Track mosquito activity levels across Long Island.
Mosquito Map
Town-by-town activity visualization.
Monthly Reports
Detailed monthly mosquito and tick reports.
Backyard Risk Assessment
Get your property's personalized risk score.
Find Your Town
Local mosquito and tick guides by town.
Today's Forecast
Current conditions for Suffolk and Nassau.