As summer peaks in August, New Jersey residents are enjoying time outdoors — hiking, barbecuing, camping, and spending time in their backyards. Unfortunately, August also marks the height of tick season in the Garden State, and the dangers they pose should not be taken lightly.
Why August is Prime Tick Season in NJ
Ticks thrive in warm, humid conditions, and New Jersey’s August climate creates the perfect environment for their activity. While ticks are active from spring through fall, late summer is when nymphs and adult ticks are most aggressive and most likely to bite. The dense foliage, tall grasses, and leaf litter commonly found in New Jersey’s parks, trails, and even backyards serve as ideal tick habitats.
Common Tick Species in New Jersey
In August, the following tick species are most active in NJ:
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Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick) – the primary carrier of Lyme disease
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Lone Star Tick – known to cause Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy)
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American Dog Tick – can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Health Risks Associated with Tick Bites
Tick bites may seem harmless at first, but they can transmit serious and potentially life-altering illnesses, including:
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Lyme Disease – New Jersey is among the top states for Lyme cases. Symptoms include fever, rash (often in a bullseye pattern), fatigue, and joint pain. If untreated, it can lead to neurological issues.
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Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis – bacterial infections causing fever, chills, and muscle aches.
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Babesiosis – a malaria-like illness caused by microscopic parasites.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – a severe illness that can be fatal if not treated early.
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome – a tick-induced meat allergy increasingly found in the region.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
To stay safe from ticks in August, follow these preventative steps:
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Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin-treated clothing.
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Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and tuck pants into socks when in wooded or grassy areas.
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Check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly after being outdoors.
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Shower within two hours of being outside to wash off any unattached ticks.
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Keep your yard maintained – mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and remove leaf litter to eliminate tick habitats.
Tick Control Solutions from Action Termite and Pest Control
Professional tick control is one of the most effective ways to reduce tick populations around your home and protect your family. At Action Termite and Pest Control, we offer:
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Yard barrier treatments that kill ticks on contact
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Pet-safe, environmentally conscious solutions
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Ongoing treatment plans through peak tick months
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Expert inspections and recommendations to reduce tick habitat
Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Summer
Ticks are more than just a nuisance — they’re a serious health threat. If you live in New Jersey, especially in areas with dense vegetation or near wooded spaces, August is the time to be proactive. Contact Action Termite and Pest Control today to schedule a tick inspection or treatment service and enjoy the rest of your summer with peace of mind.