Connecticut residents are now facing a year‑round tick threat as milder winters allow these pests to thrive beyond their traditional March‑to‑October window. The state’s public‑health agencies are urging families to stay vigilant and adopt simple protective measures.
Tick Species and Health Risks
Scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, led by research scientist Dr. Goudarz Molaei, have identified about 15 tick species in the state. Five of those are of particular concern because they can transmit serious pathogens.
The black‑legged “deer” tick remains the most common carrier of Lyme disease in the Northeast. It also spreads babesiosis, a parasite that attacks red blood cells, and anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection that can cause high fevers, headaches, and, in severe cases, organ failure.
American dog ticks are responsible for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial illness that can be life‑threatening if not treated promptly.
Invasive Ticks on the Rise
Recent surveillance shows a dramatic surge in lone star ticks. In 2025, more than 2,500 lone star ticks were collected statewide, up from just 72 the year before. These ticks can spread ehrlichiosis—a fever‑inducing bacterial infection—and alpha‑gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat and other mammal products triggered by tick saliva.
Dr. Molaei notes, “Connecticut is probably the most northern state with an established population of lone star ticks. We suspect other tick species are also involved in the spread of alpha‑gal.”
Long‑horned ticks, another invasive species, are also expanding their range. First documented in Bridgeport and Stratford in 2021, they have since spread across Fairfield, New Haven, and New London counties. Like lone star ticks, long‑horned ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis. Their ability to reproduce without males (parthenogenesis) helps them multiply quickly.
How Ticks Acquire and Transmit Disease
Ticks go through a life cycle of egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They are typically born pathogen‑free, but each blood meal offers an opportunity to pick up disease agents from infected hosts. For example, if a larval tick feeds on an infected rodent, it can retain the pathogen and pass it to the nymph stage, and later to adult ticks.
According to Dr. Molaei, about half of adult deer ticks collected in the field are likely infected. “If you go out and collect ticks, chances are, 50% of them could be infected,” he says.
Prevention Tips for Families
State health officials emphasize that prevention is the most effective defense against tick‑borne illnesses. Their recommendations include:
- Wear light‑colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
- Tuck pants into socks or boots to create a barrier.
- Apply permethrin‑based sprays to clothing and footwear.
- Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after any outdoor activity.
- Submit any found ticks to local health departments or the state’s Agricultural Experiment Station for testing.
“People have to be aware of their surroundings pretty much everywhere,” Dr. Molaei reminds residents. “Tick checks are not only important for humans but also for their pet animals.”
Surveillance Efforts
Connecticut monitors tick populations through two main methods. Active surveillance involves researchers collecting ticks from 40 designated sites daily. Passive surveillance relies on the public to submit ticks they find to local health departments or the state’s lab for analysis. These combined efforts help track the spread of invasive species and emerging disease threats.
By staying informed and taking simple precautions, Connecticut families can enjoy the state’s beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick‑borne illness.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
