There are many people who hold a sincere belief that ticks – and tick-related diseases – are fairly recent threats. They remember a childhood blissfully unconcerned about tick bites and unencumbered by tick precautions or tick checks. While burgeoning tick populations are increasing the likelihood of encountering a present-day tick threat, ticks are actually an ancient species… and tick-vectored diseases have been around for eons.

Are Ticks Prehistoric?

Ticks are indeed prehistoric, dating back tens of millions of years. The oldest known tick fossil is preserved in amber and is thought to be around 90 million years old. The tick’s last common arachnid ancestor dates from approximately 195 million years ago.

What Did Ticks Evolve From?

Ticks evolved from ancient arachnids millions of years ago, diverging from other types of Acari (an order that includes ticks, mites, and similar arachnids) to become a distinct species. Studies suggest that these early ticks feasted primarily on reptiles and amphibians.

Where Did Ticks Originate?

Based on fossil evidence, scientists believe ticks originated in the African region of the Gondwana supercontinent. As Gondwana split, morphed, and fused to other landmasses, ticks began their migration around the globe. Today there are ticks on every continent, including those with seemingly inhospitable climates.

Ticks have been present along the New York and New England coastline for at least as long as humans have inhabited the region. Due to a changing climate, more species of ticks are invading the area and moving inland. These tick populations are exploding in growth, and a startling number of them are capable of transmitting diseases to humans and animals.

Where Was Lyme Disease First Discovered?

Lyme disease has existed for tens of thousands of years, but it was not formally classified until the 1970s. What would become known as Lyme disease was first described by a German researcher in 1883. It wasn’t until an unexplained disease cluster emerged in a small Connecticut town that Lyme disease was given its name.

In 1975, an unusual number of residents in Lyme, Connecticut (and the surrounding area) reported symptoms including a bullseye-shaped rash, muscle and joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Within a year the Connecticut State Department of Health and Yale School of Medicine determined that this was a distinct illness, that it is transmitted by ticks, and that it would now be known as Lyme disease.

East End Tick and Mosquito Control® Protects Your Home and Family

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses pose a growing and evolving threat to our region. East End Tick and Mosquito Control® is your year-round tick removal and prevention expert, protecting East End residents for more than two decades. If there are ticks on or near your Long Island property, we are here to help. Visit us online to schedule a free estimate, or call (631) 324-9700 in East Hampton, (631) 287-9700 in Southampton, or (631) 765-9700 in Southold.