Hikers, beware! Ticks may be extra active this year, CT researchers say

Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Research Station say it's going to be a busy tick season - and there are two new additional tick species to worry about.

First seen in the state in 2019, the Asian longhorn tick isn't a vector for disease but its quick reproduction makes it a major agricultural pest.

The latest Connecticut newcomer, first seen in 2020, is the Gulf Coast tick. Researchers say it doesn't carry Lyme, but it has a good chance of making you sick.

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Dr. Goudarz Molaei says a warming climate is helping invasive ticks get a foothold in Connecticut while making the state a fertile breeding ground for the ticks already here.

The Experiment Center, which identifies and tests samples from the public for Lyme and other tickborne diseases, says that they've received over 1,000 tick specimens in April alone.

If you have a tick you'd like to get tested, you can bring it to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

If you're taking in the great outdoors, doctors recommend long sleeves and pants and a thorough check of your body and any pets before you head back inside.