Tick activity is already rising along the Jersey Shore, with local residents reporting having plucked a sizable number from their pets already this spring.
“Is anyone else noticing a ton of ticks around Sea Isle lately? Our dog has had 7 ticks in the past 3 weeks and my husband too,” one resident wrote in a local discussion that quickly drew responses from neighbors seeing the same pattern.
“Horrible this year! I thought the cold winter would make it better but wow totally wrong!” another person responded.
State and county health agencies have warned of upticks in, well, ticks this spring and summer.
The CDC’s Tick Bite Tracker is reporting weekly rates of ER visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017 — nearly a decade ago.
In the Garden State, NJ.com reported emergency room visits were up 27% percent for tick-related issues year-over-year. More than 1,279 cases of tick-born cases have been reported in New Jersey as of mi-April.
Ticks are most commonly found in wooded or brush-heavy areas, particularly where maintained spaces meet natural growth.
And they seem to thrive in the beach footpaths and dune grasses concentrated in towns like Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.
The CDC recommends using EPA‑approved insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and staying on clear paths to avoid contact with ticks.
Health officials also emphasizes performing full-body tick checks and promptly removing any attached ticks, since quick removal reduces the risk of disease transmission.
For pets, owners are encouraged to use veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives year‑round and check their furry friends daily after time outdoors.
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