Ticks in NJ

Well, here we are—it's tick season in New Jersey, and this pic shows one of these little vampires we pulled off a patient last week (its a Lone Star tick)...

Unfortunately, it's shaping up to be a heavy tick year, and with ticks carrying so many diseases it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself.

Prevention First

The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is twofold: take preventive measures and check yourself regularly.

Protective clothing: Wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks creates a physical barrier. Light-colored clothing also helps you spot ticks more easily.

Use repellents: DEET-based sprays are highly effective, but if you prefer a natural approach, essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood can also repel ticks. Dilute the oils with water and spray them on your skin.

Regular Tick Checks

Tick bites are often painless because their saliva contains a numbing agent, so you may not feel them latch on. Make a habit of doing occasional visual inspections, especially in warmer, hidden areas like:

• Armpits

• Groin

• Behind the knees

• Inner thighs

Ticks often resemble small moles, so look for anything that seems new or out of place.

Tick Removal

If you find a tick you can either:

• Go to a healthcare provider for removal.

• Remove it yourself. Here’s an excellent video guide on proper removal and what to look for afterward: How to Remove a Tick (YouTube)

After Removal: Identification

Save the tick for identification:

• Place it in a sealed container or ziplock bag if you plan to send it to someone for ID.

• Or, stick it between clear tape and fold it over if you plan to ID yourself.

Take clear, high-quality cell phone photos of both sides of the tick for ID purposes. These images can be useful if you need medical care later, especially since the photo date can serve as a time reference.

Here’s a helpful chart of the three most common tick species in New Jersey: Common Tick Species in New Jersey (PDF)

If you want to send your tick in for identification and disease testing (for free), you can learn more here: Rutgers Tick Identification and Disease Testing

Monitor for Symptoms Over Next Few Weeks

In the one to two weeks following a tick bite, be alert for early signs of tick-borne illness:

• Skin rash

• Fatigue

• Fever or chills

• Headache

• Stiff neck

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

Tick-born diseases, for the most part, are easily treated when caught early, but if they are left too long untreated they can become quite serious.

In Closing

Yes, it was a gross topic—but an important one!

We hope you’re all geared up for a safe and enjoyable summer. And don’t forget to drop in for a chiropractic or acupuncture tune-up when you can. We'd love to see you (and maybe even help find a tick).