Community Questions

Question: I am a student at Rowan University in southern New Jersey, on the periphery of the Pine Barrens. I am aware of the tick situation in this area, but have a specific question regarding their habitat. I am planning an overnight hike on the Batona Trail in the Pine Barrens this weekend (mid-March), and I saw the temperature is going to reach the high 50's. Despite the fact that ticks are not traditionally active until the spring/summer months, your documentary film mentions that they are active in temperatures above freezing. Do you think ticks would be extremely active on a weekend such as the one upcoming, based on temperature and time of year? I know about permethrin, wearing white socks with pants tucked in...but can you offer up any other tips? - Tom S., NJ

Answer:

Spring actually arrives this weekend, but deer ticks don’t wait for spring to become active. The larger adult stage deer ticks that were left over from the fall (didn’t find a host) emerge from under the snow as soon as the ground thaws. They can be active anytime the temperature is above or even close to freezing as long as the ground is not frozen or covered with snow. It is common at this time of year for adult deer ticks to be quite active—they climb up shrubby vegetation about knee-high and hope to latch on if a host comes by. In NJ, by late March/early April, you may also begin finding Lone Star tick adults and adult stage dog ticks. So, our advice Tom is to take just a few extra minutes the day before you go to treat your clothes and shoes with permethrin tick repellent, or purchase and plan to wear clothes that come with permethrin tick repellent built in. When you are done for the day, be sure to check your body carefully, looking especially for adult stage ticks—and for tips on where to check most thoroughly, try our Tick-Bite Locator. Finally, deer ticks are usually found on trail edges and in the forest, so trying to always stay in the middle of the trail can help reduce tick encounter risk. Have fun but be tick aware!

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