Ticks Are Back: What You Need to Know!
As fall approaches in Pompey and Central New York, tick activity increases—and so does the risk of Lyme disease. Learn how to protect yourself and your family all season long!
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that spreads to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (often called a deer tick). If caught early, Lyme disease is usually treatable. But if left untreated, it can affect your joints, heart, and nervous system.
How Do You Get Lyme Disease?
You can get Lyme disease when an infected tick attaches to your skin and feeds for a period of time (usually 24–48 hours or more).
Ticks are commonly found in:
Tall grass
Wooded areas
Leaf piles
Brush and backyard edges
Ticks don’t jump or fly—they wait on vegetation and latch onto people or pets as they pass by. They're very small—some as tiny as a poppy seed, especially in their younger (nymph) stage. This makes them easy to miss!
How to Prevent Tick Bites
The best protection is prevention!
When outdoors...
Wear light-colored clothing (helps you spot ticks) and long sleeves. Tuck your pants into your socks
Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
Stay in the center of trails
After being outside...
Do a full body tick check (especially behind knees, ears, scalp, and underarms)
Shower within two hours if possible
Dry clothes on high heat for ten minutes to kill ticks
In your yard...
Keep grass short
Remove leaf litter and brush
Create a barrier (like wood chips or gravel) between lawn and wooded areas
What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Early symptoms may include:
A circular “bullseye” rash (not always present)
Fever or chills
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle and joint aches
If you notice these symptoms—especially after a tick bite—contact your healthcare provider.
Important tips:
Do not burn the tick or use petroleum jelly
Save the tick in a sealed bag if you can (optional, but helpful)
Watch for symptoms over the next few weeks
When to Seek Medical Care
Your primary care provider or pediatrician is always your best first call if you have symptoms or concerns after a tick bite. Especially if:
The tick was attached for more than 24 hours or you’re unsure
You develop a rash or flu-like symptoms
You couldn’t remove the tick fully
Early treatment with antibiotics is very effective!
Tick Identification & Testing
Some labs and programs can help identify ticks or test them for disease. Your healthcare provider can guide you on whether testing is appropriate.
If you remove a tick and want to know what type it is or whether it may carry disease, you can send it to be tested through the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. The Tick Submission Program allows New York residents to submit ticks online for identification and possible pathogen testing.
How it works:
Place the tick in a sealed bag or container
Submit photos or mail the tick as instructed
Receive information about the tick type and potential disease risk
Tick testing can provide helpful information, but it does not replace medical advice
You should still monitor for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
You can learn more or submit a tick here:
Local Resources (Onondaga County & NYS)
Onondaga County: Guidance on tick prevention, Lyme disease awareness, and local health updates.
New York State: Detailed information on Lyme disease, tick identification, and prevention across New York State. https://health.ny.gov/
A final reminder... ticks are a normal part of life in our region. But with awareness and simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the outdoors all season long.
Beth Aust
Member
Environmental Conservation Commission
