Ticks are a problem from sea to shining sea. Even remote states like Alaska and Hawaii are home to one or more tick species. Unfortunately, New York state – including Long Island and, specifically, Suffolk County – is rife with ticks that transmit dangerous illnesses. The spread of tick diseases like Lyme disease, heartland virus, and alpha-gal syndrome is something all East End residents should understand and take precautions to avoid.

What States Have Ticks with Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease has been reported in nearly every state. This potentially debilitating disease is carried by black-legged (Ixodes scapularis) ticks in the northeast, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic regions, and by Ixodes pacificus ticks in the Pacific northwest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the states with the highest number of cases are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Other states with a large number of Lyme cases are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Washington, D.C. also has a high incidence of Lyme disease.

What States Have Ticks with Heartland Virus?

Heartland virus is an emerging health threat spread by the lone star tick (amblyomma americanum). Characterized by flu-like symptoms, low white blood cell and platelet counts, and possible liver dysfunction, heartland virus occurs primarily in parts of the south and Midwest… with an additional cluster in New York state and Pennsylvania.

According to the CDC, states reporting cases of heartland virus include Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Heartland virus-infected ticks have been found on Long Island.

What States Have Ticks with Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a dangerous meat allergy – also transmitted by the lone star tick. Alpha-gal carrying ticks are most often found in certain southern, Midwestern, and mid-Atlantic states. The states with the highest prevalence of alpha-gal cases are Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.

There are a few areas outside of these states with a high number of alpha-gal cases and, unfortunately, Long Island’s East End is one of these. In fact, Suffolk County is a hotbed of alpha-gal transmission, with thousands of reported or suspected cases.

What State Has the Least Ticks?

States with the fewest ticks carrying these diseases are Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. They do, however, have tick species that carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis, among others.

Remember, it’s rarer but these states also may be home to Lyme-bearing ticks… especially in foothill and forested areas. Wherever you go, it’s important to be tick-aware, to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, and to know the signs of tick-borne illness if you are bitten by one.

East End Tick and Mosquito Control® Can Set Up a Tick-Free Perimeter

Long Island’s East End has a high level of tick activity and tick-borne illnesses. You can reduce your risk of contracting a tick-borne disease by clearing your yard of debris that can harbor ticks, and by calling us to set up a tick-free perimeter around your property. East End Tick and Mosquito Control® has protected Long Island families from tick threats for more than 25 years, and you can trust us to do the same for you. Contact us online for a free estimate, or call (631) 287-9700 in Southampton; (631) 324-9700 in East Hampton, or (631) 765-9700 in Southold.