Joellen Lampman

Extension Support Specialist, NYS Integrated Pest Management

Joellen Lampman is a tick expert for Cornell Integrated Pest Management, where she provides expert guidance on keeping New York residents and schools safe from pests.

Lampman says:

“2026 reminded us of what winter can feel like, raising many people’s hopes that their discomfort also led to tick deaths. Ticks, however, did just fine under the blanket of snow, so I don’t expect the cold weather to have impacted ticks in any way. While snow cover is a pretty good indication that you are unlikely to encounter a tick, they can be active if temperatures are above freezing. 

“Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, are mostly going to be experienced in shady, wooded areas, while other tick species can be found in drier spaces. So, ticks can be active almost any time and can be found almost anywhere. 

“This is good news! In a time of decision fatigue, you no longer need to decide whether to protect yourself from ticks or not. Just do it. Because tick health risks go beyond Lyme disease. Babesiosis and alpha-gal allergies as well as other tick-borne diseases are on the rise.”

Emily Mader

Senior Extension Associate, Department of Entomology

Emily Mader, a senior extension associate in the Department of Entomology, authored a recent paper suggesting there is opportunity to improve how researchers and public health officials engage with communities about ticks.

Mader says:

“The deer tick remains the major concern for human health in New York state. This tick can spread bacteria, parasites, and viruses to humans and pets. The State Department of Health 2025 Tickborne Disease Report shows that human cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are increasing and impacting communities in all regions of New York. Residents of Long Island, Staten Island, and the North Bronx also have to think about the lone star tick. This tick can spread bacteria and viruses to humans, and for some people, its bite can trigger an allergy to mammalian meat products.

“Generally, people should think about ticks when outdoors during periods of mild to warm weather. Deer ticks live in shady, humid areas with shrubs, tall grasses, and dead leaves, and are common near the edges of trails, fields, rock walls, and wooded areas.

“Springtime is a really important time of year to pay attention to ticks. Deer tick nymphs – which are small, about the size of a poppy seed or tiny freckle – are out and hungry from April through late June to early July. These ticks are easy to miss, but they can still spread pathogens and parasites to people. Adult deer ticks can be active in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so yes, you can still be bitten by a tick on a warm day in the middle of the winter.

“You can protect yourself from tick bites by wearing long sleeves and pants in light colors (so you can see if ticks are crawling on you), using insect repellent, or treating your clothing with permethrin to prevent tick bites. You should check your whole body for ticks after being outdoors, including areas around your groin, ears, hair, and underarms. If you are bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible. It is best to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull outward. If you don’t have tweezers, you can pinch the tick between your fingernails to pull it out.

“Remember, every year is a bad tick year, so be tick smart when spending time outdoors.”