Long Island’s Hidden Threat: The Silent Spread of Deadly Tick-Borne Diseases Beyond Lyme

While most Long Island residents are familiar with Lyme disease, a growing number of equally dangerous tick-borne illnesses are silently spreading across Suffolk County, posing serious health risks that many homeowners don’t even know exist. Recent data from the New York State Department of Health reveals that tick bites can transmit diseases in addition to Lyme disease including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and although rare, Powassan virus encephalitis, with the blacklegged tick carrying pathogens that cause anaplasmosis and babesiosis, the second and third most common tick-borne diseases impacting nearly 2,000 New Yorkers annually combined.

The Expanding Threat: New Diseases, New Dangers

Anaplasmosis, in particular, has been found in an increasing number of New Yorkers over a larger geographic area over the past several years, with infections now occurring north and west of the Capital Region. This bacterial infection, transmitted by the same blacklegged ticks that carry Lyme disease, can cause severe flu-like symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.

A recent report from the CDC found a significant increase in the Northeast of cases of babesiosis, a disease caused by parasites transmitted by the blacklegged tick, with evidence that the disease is becoming more entrenched, marching further north into areas not previously considered babesiosis territory. Babesiosis infects red blood cells and causes the destruction of red blood cells, therefore patients may get severe anemia, and can be more severe in people who are immunocompromised.

The Most Dangerous: Powassan Virus

Perhaps the most concerning emerging threat is Powassan virus, a rare but potentially fatal disease. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures, with approximately 10% of people with this severe form of the disease dying and survivors potentially having long-term health problems. Unlike many other tick-borne microbes, the transmission of Powassan virus can occur very quickly, as soon as 15 minutes after tick attachment.

Powassan encephalitis, a tick-borne viral illness that can cause encephalitis or meningitis, is reported each year in New York State as well, although case numbers are very low (generally 1-5 cases per year). However, the severity of this disease makes even small case numbers significant for Long Island residents.

The Lone Star Tick Invasion

Adding to the complexity of tick-borne disease prevention is the arrival of new tick species. The lone star tick, a species originating from the southern U.S., has expanded its range, possibly fueled by climate change, and this study documents that the invasive lone star tick is abundant in Long Island, transmitting a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. Forty years ago, there were no lone star ticks in the Northeast, but now it’s everywhere, found as far north as Maine and Canada and is now the most abundant tick in Long Island.

Multiple Infections from Single Bites

One of the most alarming discoveries from recent research is the potential for co-infections. Research found that more than half of the Ixodes (deer ticks) were infected with the Lyme disease agent, followed by infections with the agents of Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis, with importantly, nearly one-quarter of these ticks infected with more than one agent, resulting in the possibility of simultaneous transmission from a single tick bite.

Climate Change: Fueling the Fire

Climate change is one of the main factors that has led to the geographic expansion of every tick species further north, with higher temperatures and milder winters prolonging the life cycle of the tick, so they remain active year-round, resulting in tick populations that are higher now than ever before. Climate change is contributing to warmer average temperatures resulting in longer warm seasons, with earlier spring, hotter summers and shorter, milder winters creating conditions that influence the number of ticks and where they are found, and as ticks emerge and expand into new areas, the risk of tick bites and tick-borne disease transmission to humans and animals increases.

Professional Protection: Your First Line of Defense

Given the severity and complexity of these emerging threats, professional pest control has become essential for Long Island homeowners. Deer Tick Spraying in Suffolk County, NY services provided by certified professionals like Jones Tree and Plant Care offer comprehensive protection against these dangerous pests. Jones Tree is owned and operated by Thomas Jones – New York State Board Certified Arborist, and as a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to providing scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services.

A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and curb appeal of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments, as they are committed to offering treatments that are effective, yet safe for the environment, and affordable to customers. This approach is particularly important for Long Island families who want to protect their loved ones without compromising their environmental values.

Beyond Basic Spraying: Comprehensive Tick Management

Regular tick spraying helps create a barrier that kills ticks and prevents new ticks from entering your property, and for maximum protection, it is recommended to schedule tick spraying treatments throughout the warmer months, as this is when ticks are most active, with pairing tick control with mosquito spraying providing comprehensive protection from both pests.

Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry, tailoring specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. This personalized approach ensures that Suffolk County residents receive the most effective protection against the full spectrum of tick-borne diseases.

The Time to Act is Now

Ticks are active into the fall and pose a serious health risk to humans and pets, and although summer is officially over, ticks will still be active during the fall and unfortunately they can spread serious diseases such as Lyme disease if they attach to you. With the emergence of multiple dangerous tick-borne diseases and expanding tick populations, Long Island residents can no longer rely on basic prevention measures alone.

Professional tick control services have evolved from a luxury to a necessity for protecting your family’s health. Companies like Jones Tree and Plant Care take a total tree and plant care approach to enrich the condition of your soil, improve the growth of your plantings, and enhance the overall curb appeal of your Nassau or Suffolk County property. By investing in professional tick management, you’re not just protecting against Lyme disease – you’re safeguarding your family against a growing array of potentially life-threatening illnesses that are silently spreading across Long Island.

Don’t wait for a tick bite to take action. The emerging threat of multiple tick-borne diseases requires a proactive, professional response. Contact certified pest control professionals today to develop a comprehensive protection plan for your property and peace of mind for your family.